Chapter 5, the mandarin ducks cannot sleep due to the strong winds.

The sound of silk rustling draws near, yet the phoenix does not open its eyes, its pale face reflecting the disheveled strands of dark hair, as tranquil as a sleeping lotus

A silk fan, who exactly is it that meets the gaze of Empress He and Consort Pei, their eyes locking in a moment, the apricot eyes shimmering and the phoenix pupils glistening, truly a splendid sight

The palace maid in a green dress attended to the princess as she loosened her garments. At the moment she turned, something fell from her sleeve. The maid hurriedly bent down to pick up the delicate silk fan and presented it with both hands. The princess took the fan, gazing at it intently for a while, then suddenly turned and extended it towards the candle on the dressing table. The flame licked at the fan, and a charred yellow mark immediately appeared on the pristine white surface. The maid was startled and instinctively rushed forward to move the candlestick away. The princess's body trembled, and ultimately, she despondently let her hand fall, slowly kneeling down to the ground. The flame licked at the fan, and a charred yellow mark immediately appeared on the pristine white surface. The maid was startled and instinctively rushed forward to move the candlestick away. The princess's body trembled, and ultimately, she despondently let her hand fall, slowly kneeling down to the ground

The thunder shook the glazed tiles, and the rain intensified, pattering against the curtains.

"Why is this?" Lady Chen was startled and lowered her voice, "Is it possible that the Emperor's health..." The Empress shook her head, biting her lip in distress, "The Imperial Physician said that although the Emperor has old ailments, they do not hinder his duties, but it may not be easy to have offspring." Lady Chen furrowed her brows and said, "Since it is not a hindrance, you should put in more effort; sooner or later, there will be results."

The four characters "Lotus Color Woman" on the fan are written in a bold and flowing manner, the ink deeply saturating the surface of the fan, as if engraved into the very marrow. The hand that held the brush to inscribe the painting is fair and slender, having once caressed her bare skin, lingering at every inch. The edges of the fan, now charred and brittle from being burned, crack at the slightest touch, reminiscent of a certain place in the heart that cannot be touched yet cannot be avoided.

It was not until the second day that I learned the Emperor had left the Central Palace that night and went to the Princess's Magnolia Palace

She stood there, not knowing what had angered the dragon's countenance. Bare and wrapped in a quilt, she rose, unable to care for her embarrassment, and opened her mouth but did not know whether to call him Your Majesty or Shaohuan, ultimately only gazing anxiously at his retreating figure.

The Pei family had gradually gained the emperor's favor, establishing a position in the military that was comparable to that of the He family. This time, they were even more triumphant, with Pei Zhaoyi being promoted to the rank of Xianfei. The proud and haughty He Empress could hardly swallow this humiliation. If Pei Fei were to seize the opportunity to bear the emperor's heir, not only would her position be at risk, but the He family would also face defeat.

"Yunhuang, please keep your painted fan well, lest others think that I am stingy towards the harem, even unwilling to part with a fan." Shaohuan glanced at the concubines, his thin lips curved into a hint of playful laughter, "Issue a decree to the Weaving Bureau to cut the newly offered Qi silk, and bestow each palace with a comb, a jade plate, a hehuan fan, and a seven-treasure painted fan."

The words made the queen suddenly feel a sense of shame. It is disgraceful for a noble lady to speak of matters pertaining to the bedchamber, yet here is the dignified mother of a nation and a lady of title, who must close the door to discuss such embarrassing matters. However, even more humiliating was the night following the Peony Banquet.

This name finally slipped from his lips, carrying with it a thousand sorrows and myriad delusions. He held her tightly, wearily resting his head on her chest, trembling slightly, like a willful child, "I will not let you go, not in this life or the next!"

"This Red Bean has become increasingly picky because of your indulgence," Lady Chen said with a smile, teasing the parrot named Red Bean. The Queen slammed her teacup down heavily, splashing tea across the table, "At this hour, Mother still has the leisure to attend to this bird!" Qian Yue held her breath and stood quietly to the side, quietly stepping forward to tidy up the teacup, when she heard Lady Chen leisurely speak, "Jiang'er, your restless temperament never changes."

On that day, the Emperor was already weary and went directly into the inner chamber, ordering all the attending palace maids to withdraw. In the past, the palace maids had always assisted the Emperor and Empress in undressing, and it had never been the case that the Empress personally served the Emperor to bed. Since the marriage of the Emperor and Empress, the Emperor had occasionally visited the Empress's chamber, yet Empress He's temperament was dignified and reserved, and she had always been shy and restrained in this intimate setting... The palace lights shone brightly as if it were daytime. She held her breath and stepped forward to help him remove his outer robe. Her fingers touched the jade clasp of the dragon-patterned belt, but she could not undo it no matter how hard she tried. He squinted at her, his gaze wandering, gradually becoming heated, clearly fixed upon her, yet it seemed as if he were not truly looking at her. She timidly lowered her head, only to be suddenly pressed down beneath him. In the midst of their passionate entanglement, she forgot herself and softly murmured, calling out to the Emperor, but he hoarsely replied, "Call me Shaohuan."

The gate creaked open, and a faint shadow was cast inside.

Yunhuang leaned back against the noble concubine's couch, covering her face with the silk fan that had been scorched at the edges

Yunhuang struggled to breathe, her half-open garments slipping down, exposing her snow-white shoulders along with her delicate bosom. Shaohuan looked at her disheveled appearance, his eyes shifting from anger to sorrow, with despair seeping through the sadness. He reached out to embrace her waist, holding her tightly in his arms, and lowered his head to bite down on her shoulder. Yunhuang moaned softly, yet did not struggle, allowing him to kiss her shoulder tenderly, continuing until he reached her earlobe. He took her small earlobe into his mouth, gently biting and sucking, calling her name in a hushed voice. Yunhuang's response was tears streaming down silently, wetting his lips, the salty bitterness piercing his heart. The fragrance of osmanthus on him was faintly bitter, as if mirroring her own sorrow, her own madness. Her desolate tear-filled eyes drove him to despair and frenzy; with a tearing sound, he broke her sash, scattering her ornaments. He forcefully pressed her against the dressing table behind her, sweeping his sleeve to send a shower of pearls and jade crashing to the ground.

Two individuals privately inscribed on a fan, while she openly flaunted it in front of others; in the presence of the ladies of the harem, she tested the Empress with the tale of the lotus flower, teasing his favored concubine... Such elaborate scheming, regardless of the consequences, drew the whispers of the masses and the jealousy of the other concubines, all to compel him to let go, allowing her to live or die as she wished

The queen had not been conferred for long and was still a newlywed bride, her head lowered, revealing a look of confusion and embarrassment. Observing her expression, the experienced Lady Chen of the Chen Kingdom faintly began to understand, "Ying'er, what difficulties are you unable to speak of? Is there still a need to conceal anything from your mother?"

The flames of desire engulfed, devouring each other inch by inch. The man who galloped upon her was bizarre and frenzied, no longer the gentle and dignified king. His breathing grew heavier, sweat dampening his temples, rolling down his cheeks and neck. The wild, struggling beast clashed and fought within the confines of her body, sending waves of shivers through her. The moans, broken by passion, could no longer be suppressed; a pleading scream escaped Yun Huang's throat as she suddenly clung tightly to his shoulder, her gaze bewildered, as if entranced and mad, "Shaohuan—" The wild, struggling beast clashed and fought within the confines of her body, sending waves of shivers through her. The moans, broken by passion, could no longer be suppressed; a pleading scream escaped Yun Huang's throat as she suddenly clung tightly to his shoulder, her gaze bewildered, as if entranced and mad, "Shaohuan—"

Recently, there are the relatives of the He family, and far away, there are the voices of the masses. Yet he is the sovereign of the revival, an enlightened and benevolent ruler. How can he keep her? How can he remain with her?

The handle of the fan suddenly pressed against her throat, forcing a moan from her tightly closed lips

On the previous day, General Pei Lingxian, who was stationed at the western frontier, intercepted a secret letter intended for the Wuhuan. Following the trail of the letter, he uncovered a significant event—on that day, the city fell and the palace collapsed, with the deposed emperor's concubines and princesses all committing suicide by poison. Only Princess Ningguo and the noble Consort Ke were spared. The deposed empress, Guo, had also taken her own life, and her corpse was confirmed without a doubt. The one who led the vanguard and was the first to breach the palace gates, discovering the bodies of the deposed empress and others, was none other than He Yu, the brother of Empress He. Only Princess Ningguo and the noble Consort Ke were spared. The deposed empress, Guo, had also taken her own life, and her corpse was confirmed without a doubt. The one who led the vanguard and was the first to breach the palace gates, discovering the bodies of the deposed empress and others, was none other than He Yu, the brother of Empress He.

The gentle breeze sways, and as night falls, there is always a sense of the tide, as if it is about to rain again

The green-feathered parrot lightly pecked at the jade hook on the golden stand, while Lady Chen added golden millet to the food bowl with a delicate silver spoon, exuding an air of calm concentration, seemingly oblivious to the anxious expression of the Empress. Empress He held the teacup, stirring the floating tea leaves on the surface of the water, yet she had not taken a sip for a long time

This is also the greatest concern of the Lady of Chen State. The court is rife with disputes, each side experiencing victories and defeats. However, whoever can first hold the royal bloodline in their hands will possess the most reliable chance of victory. The Lady of Chen State repeatedly brought up the matter of heirs, persistently advising and reminding, which ultimately infuriated Empress He. "The Emperor has neglected the harem for a long time, and as the Empress of the Central Palace, I can only see him during the new and full moons. Moreover... moreover..."

Father built the Magnolia Palace, imprisoning Mother for a lifetime. Now you are building the Wutong Palace, is it to confine me for eternity?" Yunhuang half-supported her body, gracefully meeting his gaze, and with a soft smile said, "Your Majesty has three thousand in the harem, and even Mother has me. What does Yunhuang have?"

The dark night concealed shame and diffused desire. Yun Huang looked up at the young man Shao Huan before her, observing his bare chest rising and falling. The man's physique was tall and robust, his pale skin tinged with the color of lust. The scars on his chest were still visible, dark red and menacing, as if his heart had been torn apart.

Shao Huan's gaze swept across, yet found no place to linger—only the person before him, gracefully lowering their head, slowly raising their eyes, quietly yet fiercely meeting his gaze, like a fragile branch blooming with fiery flowers, their charm unrestrained, piercing directly into the heart.

"Since there is hatred, why not burn it all clean?" His voice carried a smile, a smile that was tender yet concealed a needle of poison within its softness. "Is it that you are reluctant, or is it that you cannot burn it all away? Such deep-seated sins, do you think you can escape alone?" Shaohuan smiled, gently stroking her cheek with the tattered yellow fan, the handle of the fan slanting into her collar, the thin silk clinging to her skin, revealing a glimmer of jade-like luster.

"I cannot bear it, my sister." Yun Huang's long hair fell loosely, her thin garment half-open, a faint smile retreating back into her eyes. "If Your Highness truly cherishes Yun Huang, it would be better to find an unrelated external minister and send my sister far away, so that we may each accept our fates..." Her voice was abruptly cut off as Shao Huan suddenly grasped her neck with his slender fingers, the veins on the back of his pale hand standing out, a fierce anger rising in his eyes, and he coldly uttered two words through clenched teeth, "Not a chance!"

The heat of the man's skin, the heaviness of his body, confined her within the prison of desire and struggle, rendering her immobile and voiceless. The breath floating in the fragrance of the iris was so intense, as if a ghostly blue flame was raging and spreading wildly between their entwined bodies. Thunder rolled across the sky, and the rain poured down like a waterfall from the eaves; the sounds of rain, wind, and thunder drowned out all other noises of the world, leaving only the collision, tearing, and torrential downpour.

Yunhuang seemed not to have heard his words, tightly closing her eyes, allowing the cold handle of the fan to glide across her neck and delve into her bosom... Wherever it went, it gently gathered and twisted, slowly teasing. Observing her breath becoming erratic, her chest rising and falling, enduring silent torment and restlessness, Shaohuan's gaze grew increasingly profound, his breath gradually tightening, "Yunhuang, I will not let you go; you must bear all the sins with me!"

She had never known that he had such a name. The current emperor, with the single character "Yin" in his name, changed the surname of all those with the surname Yin to Ying to avoid the taboo of the emperor's name. He, however, claimed to be Shaohuan, the two characters rolling gently on the tip of his tongue, exuding tenderness in every way. She hesitated for a moment and tried to call out, "Shaohuan." He suddenly stopped, furrowing his brows and staring at her intently, as if he were looking at a stranger. "Shaohuan?" She called him again, and before her voice had even settled, he trembled, forcefully sweeping his sleeves and withdrawing from her presence in a flustered manner. The clouds had yet to gather, but the rain had already receded; just moments ago, it was still a gentle haven, but in the blink of an eye, it had turned into a gloomy day.

Thus, everyone was delighted, and there was nothing left to dispute. The queen's fair cheeks, however, revealed a hint of redness. She lowered her gaze without a change in expression and led the other concubines in expressing their gratitude. Pei Zhaoyi felt disdain in her heart but could only helplessly bow her head. The emperor also seemed to have lost interest, waving his sleeve and rising from the table, saying, "Enough, I am somewhat fatigued; let us disperse." The concubines once again knelt on the ground, respectfully sending off the imperial carriage. Their cloud-like hair and misty hairstyles were elaborately arranged, with golden hairpins and emerald ornaments trembling in their hair. As they bowed, their various floral designs were dazzling, resembling peonies under the moonlight, surrounded by brocade, a scene of overwhelming splendor.

The heavy curtains fell down, and Qianyue quietly led the palace maids out, leaving only the Empress and the Lady of Chen, mother and daughter, in the quiet chamber

The night is so dark, the palaces are tall and distant, as if there is no end in sight

"The matter of offspring is not solely under my control." The queen's voice was as faint as a mosquito's buzz, her fair cheeks flushed as if they might bleed. The Lady of Chen felt her heart sink and cautiously inquired, "Does His Majesty not wish to visit the inner palace?" The queen's chest rose and fell, her delicate fingers tightly twisting a tassel at her waist, pulling apart the coral and pearl adornments.

Yunhuang smiled continuously, all the way until she returned to the Xinyi Palace, with a lingering smile at the corners of her eyes and brows. The palace attendants had rarely seen her smile; even when there were joyful occasions, she would only show a faint smile. To suddenly witness such a smile sent a chill through their hearts. A close attendant quietly approached to help the princess change her clothes and remove her makeup. An elderly palace maid serving the Empress Dowager reported from outside the curtain, saying that the Empress Dowager had already rested, had taken her medicine for the day, and was in good condition.

In the sound of muffled thunder, the rain has finally fallen

The young palace maid was so frightened that she stood frozen, hurriedly retreating and gently closing the palace door behind her

Yunhuang silently moved to the window, gazing towards the quiet lodge where Consort Ke resided. She noticed that the lights had been extinguished, with only the gilded palace lantern flickering and swaying on the rippling water. After seeing Shaohuan in the Jingzhi Study, the health of the Empress Dowager had worsened; she spent her days in anxiety, calling out a name in her dreams, and waking up in tears. The imperial physician advised that the Empress Dowager should rest and calm her mind, so the Emperor constructed a curved bridge on the northern side of the Xinmi Palace by the lake, connecting to the tranquil lodge in the center of the lake, to serve as a place for the Empress Dowager's recuperation

On the night of the full moon each month, the Emperor would visit the Inner Palace, a tradition upheld by emperors and empresses throughout the ages. On this particular day, coinciding with the fifteenth, after a banquet in the Chengshu Palace, the Emperor returned to the Imperial Study, still needing to review the day's memorials. The Empress awaited him in the Inner Palace, having bathed and perfumed herself. As the night grew late, the Emperor finally arrived. The union of the Emperor and Empress was a significant event, overseen by the female officials responsible for the Emperor's nighttime rituals, who arranged the bed curtains and cushions, while the female historian managed the documents. The historian, with a red brush, meticulously recorded every detail of the Emperor's visits, leaving nothing unnoted. The union of the Emperor and Empress was a significant event, overseen by the female officials responsible for the Emperor's nighttime rituals, who arranged the bed curtains and cushions, while the female historian managed the documents. The historian, with a red brush, meticulously recorded every detail of the Emperor's visits, leaving nothing unnoted.

The bitter fragrance of the du ruo floated in the air, the hem of the garment brushed against the cheek, the satin was soft and cool. He leaned down to look at her, very close, faintly touching the warmth of each other's skin. Yun Huang had her eyes closed, resembling a lifeless jade statue, yet her cheeks bore an unusual flush. The two of them breathed in unison, in the silence, only hearing each other's gradually disordered heartbeat.

Shao Huan picked up the charred silk fan and delicately played with it, welcoming the moonlight, and the burn marks seemed to possess an exquisite beauty.

The Emperor had once issued an edict ordering a strict investigation of the palace, forbidding anyone from taking advantage of the chaos to escape. However, months later, Pei Lingxian captured the traitors who had colluded with foreign enemies, only to discover that they were former imperial guards, with the mastermind being the deposed Empress Guo, who had disguised herself to escape. The person who died from poison that day was merely a substitute palace maid, resembling the Empress Guo. After the poison took effect, her body became swollen and distorted, successfully deceiving He Yue. Loyal guards assisted the Empress Guo in escaping the palace, hiding among the common people for two months before quietly infiltrating the western frontier. The person who died from poison that day was merely a substitute palace maid, resembling the Empress Guo. After the poison took effect, her body became swollen and distorted, successfully deceiving He Yue. Loyal guards assisted the Empress Guo in escaping the palace, hiding among the common people for two months before quietly infiltrating the western frontier

Beyond the pass lies the Eastern Wuhuan, which is also the place where the eldest daughter of Empress Guo was married off. In the past, Princess Chang Le was wed to the crown prince of Eastern Wuhuan, who fell ill and passed away before ascending the throne. His younger brother succeeded him and honored Princess Chang Le as the Grand Princess. Empress Guo secretly fled to the western frontier, intending to seek refuge with Princess Chang Le and borrow troops from Eastern Wuhuan to restore her state. The secret letter had already stipulated that Eastern Wuhuan would send troops to the pass to await her arrival, first rescuing Empress Guo and then plotting a grand strategy. Along with Empress Guo, Princess Hua Yao of Xingping was also captured and had been taken to the capital overnight by General Pei. Thus, the Pei family achieved great merit, while the loss of He Yue on that day nearly caused future troubles. The Emperor heavily rewarded Pei Lingxian and reprimanded He Yue to reflect in seclusion.

The room remains suffocating, further permeated by a dense and heavy fragrance, swirling forth myriad illusions... The coldness of the jade tiles seeps through the garments, unable to dispel the heat rising from within; what is it that longs to emerge, what is it that gently licks and bites... Yunhuang lies quietly, resting in the dust trampled by all, scattering a mass of green silk, twisting and turning; entangled in desires, trembling with a subtle quiver

What do you mean by that? Lady Chen furrowed her brows, observing the Empress who seemed to want to say something but hesitated, her expression difficult to bear, prompting her to blurt out a question.

"You have me, Your Majesty." Shao Huan's voice was low and hoarse, yet Yun Huang laughed out loud. Seeing his gaze, which was as cold as ice, she couldn't help but laugh even more—Your Majesty, he wanted her to see the Emperor as Shao Huan, yet he repeatedly insisted on this title of 'Your Majesty.' There was no longer Shao Huan in this palace, only the Emperor, and all she possessed were merely three thousand phoenix trees, a boundless deep green, and a lifetime of bleakness.

The Empress was feeling frustrated, losing her composure in front of her mother, revealing a childish stubbornness. "What does it matter if I am not impetuous? My father always speaks of being composed, yet the Pei family still finds opportunities to exploit us. This matter is a mistake made by my brother, yet it has tarnished the entire He family's reputation, leaving me with no face before the Emperor. Just look at how arrogant that Pei family's maid has become!" Lady Chen's expression darkened slightly, "The mistake has been made, and your brother has already retreated to reflect on it... Matters in the court will be handled by your father; it is the affairs of the palace that should concern you." The Empress had no words to respond, yet her heart was filled with frustration.

The palace lanterns extinguished, the bright candles blown out, in the dim and dark hues, lips and tongues entwined in a deadly embrace, sin and desire battling in despair. Her moans were intermittent, sealed between his lips; he entered her bitterness with the tip of his tongue, yet inhaled her seductive poison. Her body hung at the edge of the dressing table, her hands raised high above by him, arching her waist to meet him, the most humiliating posture unexpectedly blossoming into exquisite allure

Amidst the moans and murmurs, mingled with sighs, it resembled both a soft whimper and a sorrowful chant. The phoenix opened her eyes, gasping and smiling, "How shall I endure this? Do you wish to grow old with me, or shall we share the kingdom together?" The moonlight was cool and thin, illuminating her flowing black hair and enchanting beauty like poison. However, Shao Huan's complexion suddenly turned pale, as if struck by a whip on a wound, evoking a fragmented pain.

The moonlight is obscured by thick clouds, leaving a remnant of dim yellow light that seeps into the silver hook beaded door, illuminating the noble and unparalleled Princess who is curled up in confusion. Her long hair is disheveled and scattered, her magnificent palace attire has faded, leaving only a plain garment wrapped around her exquisite form, making her appear even more desolate