Chapter Five, the world is fraught with difficulties, and the talents of Yu and Liang vie for recognition

Jin Zhen has become increasingly confused

As Dongzhu stepped out of the Dongnuange, she let out a long sigh. Strolling along the palace path, her gaze fell upon the verdant branches extending from the Imperial Garden not far away, and her expression grew somewhat tranquil.

Kangxi set down his chopsticks: "The grandson knows his mistake. As an emperor, one must not show one's likes and dislikes on one's face, nor allow outsiders to perceive them. In regard to all matters in the world, one must conceal one's joys and hide one's grievances."

Faced with the questioning expression of Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang, Kangxi immediately realized that he was in the wrong, yet he did not know where he had erred. Thus, he glanced at Su Malagu, who promptly intervened, saying: "Your Highness is being too harsh; the Emperor merely enjoys this dish and has taken a few more servings, which is nothing significant!"

As a consort of the Emperor, she, along with Tongjia Jinzhen, entered the palace two days earlier. On the sixth day of the ninth month, they performed the ceremonial rites at Cining Palace. Today, together with the female officials and palace maids, they knelt to welcome the Empress as her phoenix carriage arrived at Kun Ning Palace. This is an old rule established by the ancestors and is also a necessary formality

Do you still remember the sixteen-character admonition that Empress Dowager gave you?" asked Xiaozhuang

Su Malagu observed the awkward expression on Kangxi's face and quickly helped him out of the situation: "Your Majesty, listen to the new names given by the Empress Dowager to the four of them, which are called Chunxi, Xiafu, Qiurong, and Dongying. I do not quite understand their meanings, but I think they are all auspicious phrases, albeit a bit tongue-twisting."

Since entering the palace, Dongzhu's heart seemed to be twisted in knots, leaving her little concern for her clothing. Dongzhu gathered her spirits and supported Chunyin as they walked towards the palace exit

Hmm, I know that since childhood, you and Fang'er have always loved to compete, striving to outdo each other in everything. When you were young, it was about catching grasshoppers, and as you grew older, it turned into poetry and talent contests, with you often emerging victorious. But this time, she has unexpectedly become the Empress, and you must feel quite unsettled about it. Jin Zhen wore a sympathetic expression, her brows slightly furrowed, "What a pity, this is indeed the essence of 'Why was there a Liang when there was a Yu?' Now, even I feel sorry for you."

You smoothly take on the reins of power, successfully reclaim the imperial authority from the ministers, and firmly establish your rule to continue the dragon's lineage; this is true filial piety. As for the rest, the Empress Dowager does not require you to do anything for me

Inside the Chengqian Palace, Niuhulu Dongzhu, dressed in the formal attire of a royal consort, reclines on the bed reading a book, her demeanor exceedingly relaxed, as if the music and ceremonies outside have not reached her ears at all

After countless calls and long-awaited anticipation, the queen descended from the palanquin

Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang nodded: "The Empress Dowager knows that this is very difficult to achieve. Not to mention the Emperor, even ordinary people find it hard to do. However, at least before you take on the reins of power, you must do this. Only then will it be impossible for others to find any grounds to criticize you. Only then will it be impossible for others to discern your preferences and dislikes. Do you understand?"

It seemed that Jin Zhen did not expect Dong Zhu to ask this way, and she was momentarily taken aback, her fair and round face slightly flushed: "You are Liang, of course you are Liang!"

What else? Kangxi was somewhat perplexed

The Emperor and the Empress performed the ceremonial seating, and everyone withdrew.

There should be a cross saddle, symbolizing safety and peace from now on

"Your Highness, it is time; Mama Su has sent someone to urge you." The chief maid of the Chengqian Palace, Chunyin, urged from the side, helping her up while bringing the court crown to assist her in putting it on properly

The palace maids and eunuchs have already knelt all over the ground, neatly arranged and stretching out of sight. Dongzhu's beautiful red lips slightly curved into an elegant arc. So many youthful palace maids, so many eunuchs, including herself, all of them are his servants

So amusing

At this moment, the young emperor, guided by the ceremonial officials, shot three arrows with a golden bow towards the phoenix chariot, symbolizing the expulsion of the dark malevolent spirit to ensure safety

Dongzhu retracted her smile and turned to gaze at the distant palace walls. Just a wall apart, there existed two worlds. Beyond those vermilion walls and palace gates lay an infinitely vast sky, which was the life she yearned for

The phoenix sedan is also a joyous palanquin, this grand golden sedan, carried by sixteen individuals, is divided into three tiers. The first tier is circular, adorned in the center with a large golden phoenix, symbolizing the noble queen. The second tier is also circular, surrounded by a canopy embroidered with blue phoenixes on yellow satin, with nine small golden phoenixes standing atop the canopy. The third tier features a bow-shaped design with square eaves, with a golden phoenix standing at each corner, each holding in its beak a long yellow silk tassel known as "hanging ground tassel." The front of the sedan is draped with curtains, and the sedan's body is embroidered with gourd patterns and endless floral borders, symbolizing abundant blessings, longevity, countless descendants, and perpetual prosperity.

The faint sound, emanating from her lips, resembled a song drifting from the edge of the sky, so ethereal.

"Empress Dowager!" Kangxi was somewhat surprised

Jin Zhen's complexion turned even redder: "You know, I have never had anything to say to her."

That gaze undoubtedly belonged to him, and he was his own man, his own master, the emperor revered by all. Thus, Dongzhu's smile grew even more pronounced

Amidst the entourage of four princes and princesses of the full fortune, thirty-two Manchu ministers, and one hundred and eight guards, the golden-topped phoenix carriage came to a halt outside the gate of Kun Ning Palace, accompanied by the ceremonial display of a hundred pairs of ox horns and large drums

"Not happy?" Dongzhu looked into Jingzhen's eyes, which were beautiful, particularly those large, black, jewel-like eyes. With her typical almond-shaped eyes paired with a fair and rounded face, she was exceptionally radiant.

In front of Kun Ning Palace

On the 8th day of the 9th month, Emperor Kangxi held his grand wedding

From a distance, a fierce gaze shot towards her. Without needing to look directly, Dongzhu already knew who it was

Dressed in the ceremonial attire of an imperial consort, the gown features a light apricot silk base embroidered with twenty-one dragon patterns in gold thread. Between the dragon motifs, colorful threads are used to depict clouds, bats, and the character for happiness. The hem of the gown showcases a design of eight treasures, sea waves, cliffs, and mountain shapes. Adorning her head is a court crown, with pearl decorations shimmering brilliantly. Although her mind is filled with countless thoughts, to outsiders, the graceful young imperial consort truly presents a captivating beauty that could enthrall a nation.

Kangxi nodded in agreement, showing his respect and importance towards it

"Look, it's not good to sit like this, the gown is getting wrinkled!" Chunyin crouched down carefully to smooth out the creases at the hem of Dongzhu's gown.

"Aside from having eaten a few more bites of vegetables, is there anything else inappropriate today?" Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang continued to press the issue

Kangxi remained silent and lost in thought

What else? Empress Xiaozhuang's expression was calm and still, like a pool of stagnant water

Following this, the imperial consort, along with the female officials and palace maids, performed the "knee-walking salute" to demonstrate the hierarchy of status

Dong Zhu smiled, not the faint smile typical of a woman from a noble family, but a hearty and cheerful laugh that made the flowers tremble and her figure sway slightly, causing the pearl ornaments on her crown to sway along with her.

"Sumar, have them come up," said Empress Xiaozhuang, holding Kangxi's hand. She then addressed the four palace maids led in by Sumar, saying, "These four are all from the side of the Empress Dowager, the most reliable and meticulous. Today, you will take them to serve in your Qianqing Palace. After this is recorded, and after the ceremony, the Emperor will be an adult. You must remember, the inner palace is connected to the court, and everything must not be done carelessly."

Today, Kangxi touched the thumb ring on his left hand, somewhat unconvinced, and said, "Is the Empress Dowager displeased that I was a bit harsh with Sony today?"

Subsequently, the Emperor and the Empress sat together on the wedding bed, partaking in the ceremonial wine and sharing cups, enjoying the longevity noodles and the offspring dumplings.

In a daze, a delicate, fair hand quietly reached out from the side. The slightly baby-fat texture of the skin and the faint fragrance wafting over needed no second thought; it was naturally the beloved Consort Tongjia Jinzhen.

Dongzhu gazed at Jinzhen, carefully observing her expression. Her eyes were pure and clear, devoid of any impurities. Dongzhu smiled and said, "Then tell me, who among us is the jade, and who is the brightness?"

"Your Majesty." As Kangxi once again picked up the duck strips with sea cucumber, Xiaozhuang spoke up

Standing quietly in the autumn breeze

"Dongzhu, are you not happy?" Jinzhen continued to hold Dongzhu's hand

The Princess of Anqin received the apple and the jade ruyi that the Empress had held when she got into the sedan chair, and then handed the Empress a precious vase, which are essential auspicious items for the wedding ceremony. The Empress was then guided into the Kun Ning Palace by four female officials holding pearl lamps, arriving at the Dong Nuan Pavilion. There, the Empress and the Emperor were to begin a series of necessary rituals.

Spring, summer, autumn, and winter bring joy and prosperity; Kangxi naturally understands the meaning behind this and is even more grateful for the thoughtful intentions of Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang. However, as he gazes at these familiar yet unfamiliar faces, and thinks about how soon the concubines connected to the various factions of the court will enter the palace, a sense of gloom gradually settles in his heart

Kangxi's complexion was slightly flushed as he looked at the four graceful palace maids, feeling somewhat at a loss. The day before, Su Malagu had already sent him the Happy Buddha and the Harmony Picture. Although he did not speak of it, he understood the implications behind them. Now that his grandmother had pointed out someone to him, he felt a bit uneasy, and at that moment, he found it even more difficult to maintain his composure

Alright. Dongzhu put down the book in her hands, suddenly stood up, and walked outside with a clean and decisive manner, startling Chunyin. Watching Dongzhu's silhouette, Chunyin furrowed her brows. This little princess is indeed quite peculiar

It seems that from the very beginning, the two individuals harbored an inexplicable animosity towards each other

Two hands clasped together

Empress Xiaozhuang's expression was slightly somber: "Is that so? Does it not count for anything? Your Majesty, what do you say?"

The gaze fixed upon her was even colder than a sword

"Yu and Liang, with their extraordinary talents, chose to engage in worldly affairs, and their ending is indeed tragic. If I were Yu or Liang, I would certainly take Xiao Qiao and Huang Shuo to retreat into the mountains and fields, indifferent to the storms and smoke of the Three Kingdoms. In life, why must one seek fame and recognition among the lords? If one can find a true companion, to grow old together without parting, even in a humble cottage in the countryside, cooking with just a few grains, it is still a blessing"

"It's nothing." Dongzhu smiled, this girl only cares about these trivial matters

Meanwhile, the couple of the hairpin guards sang congratulatory songs outside the palace, their voices melodious and pleasing to the ear

Thus, she laughed inappropriately

You are good to me, and I am good to you; you are evil to me, and I will still be good to you.

The expression of reproach on Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang's face gradually faded, replaced by a look of relief. "Grandson, the Empress Dowager knows of your filial piety. However, you are the Emperor, and what the Empress Dowager desires is your great filial piety, not foolish filial piety"

Dongzhu was completely unaware of everything. She merely performed a customary kneeling gesture of respect towards Su Malagu, even though it was not required by etiquette. However, she felt a sense of pity for this woman who had devoted her entire life to loyally accompanying her master in the palace. Dongzhu recognized that this was a person without a self, who had never lived for herself. Such individuals are deserving of sympathy and respect

Her silhouette is delicate and graceful, with her slightly raised head gazing straight into the distance. What lies ahead is merely an endless palace wall, yet it seems to stretch into an infinite expanse of wilderness

"Is it just a bit severe?" A trace of deep concern flashed in Xiaozhuang's eyes. "Did you not see Sony's astonishment! In terms of forbearance and self-restraint, you are far inferior to Sony. Your words and actions today are merely the first signs of brilliance; if it only astonished him, that would be fine, but if it were in front of others, it would raise their vigilance and prompt them to take precautions early. Do you understand?"

Only then did Dongzhu, with her hand resting on her chest, say after laughing for a while: "Good sister, you really know how to flatter people. How will you speak when you see Her Majesty the Empress tomorrow?"

The grandson simply does not want them to trouble the Empress Dowager with the matter of the marriage proposal, and he cannot stand his hypocritical demeanor of "servant this and servant that" while actually being coy and evasive. Kangxi, with a stern expression, met the questioning gaze of Xiaozhuang and said, "We have granted him immense honor, yet he is still not satisfied and wants to come to the Cining Palace to have the Empress Dowager lower herself to plead with him? These individuals, one and all, now possess the power to negotiate terms with us, but do they not reflect on who enabled them to attain their current positions and power? On ordinary days, I can feign deafness and silence in the court, but I cannot allow them to come to the Cining Palace and put the Empress Dowager in a difficult position"

Su Malagu immediately ordered the palace maids and eunuchs to withdraw, leaving only Empress Xiaozhuang and Kangxi in the room

The day before yesterday, when entering the palace, in front of the Empress Dowager at Cining Palace, he did not even glance at her, only preoccupied with conversing with Jin Zhen. Dong Zhu did not mind; she only cared whether the person she valued cared for her. As for others, even if it were the Emperor, what did it matter?

Jin Zhen could not understand what Dong Zhu was saying, nor did she see what was so captivating about that palace wall. However, she suddenly caught a whiff of a scent that, although she had only encountered once, was deeply etched in her memory. Thus, she quietly approached, wrapping her arms around Dong Zhu, the two of them leaning closely together. To outsiders, it appeared as if the two young princesses were enjoying a close friendship, but in reality, she was subtly shielding Dong Zhu's graceful silhouette with her own body.

It seemed that after entering the palace, she had never truly regarded him. Dongzhu thought that if it were not for that dazzling yellow attire, perhaps if he wore different clothes, she would not have recognized him at all. She believed that he should feel the same way about her.

Su Malagu saw Dongzhu from a distance and felt a slight tremor in her heart, as if she had been stung by something. She felt a heaviness in her chest and a slight dizziness in her head. Dongzhu's expression truly resembled that of someone else. It was at this moment that she understood why the princess insisted on keeping Dongzhu in the palace

In the Cining Palace, it is quiet, and the palace maids carefully present a variety of dishes, cups, plates, bowls, and soups, yet not a sound is made.

Amidst the sounds of music and ritual, the golden-topped phoenix carriage approaches slowly

The Emperor is expected to use a golden scale rod to lift the Empress's veil, symbolizing satisfaction and contentment

That graceful and beautiful figure is stunning, and that neck, as white as jade, is dazzlingly beautiful