Chapter One, the palace courtyard is deep and secluded, the curtains roll up revealing dreams of pear blossoms

That year I was seventeen, I still remember playing the flute under the moonlight, understanding longing and shedding tears; now I am nineteen, yet I can no longer even cry.

Nanya smiled gently, looking at me softly, "And what about you?"

The Southern Chu court, which is situated in a corner of Jiangnan, surrendered to the Great Zhou dynasty a month ago, a dynasty that occupied more than half of the realm. The ruler of Southern Chu, Li Mingchang, became the Southern Marquis of the Great Zhou dynasty, taking a few favored concubines with him as he moved out of the imperial palace; the concubines and beauties he could not take along naturally became the spoils of war for the Great Zhou dynasty. Far surpassing the prosperous and wealthy capital of the north, Ruidu, it has transformed into the current capital of the Great Zhou.

The corridor is like a flowing ribbon, winding back and forth, while the eaves resemble birds soaring high to peck. Amidst the intertwining flower trees, it is as if green clouds weave colorful clouds within, concealing countless palaces and towers. The imperial palace remains as bustling and vibrant as ever, embodying both the elegant subtlety of Jiangnan and the noble grandeur of royalty

I did not check on the movements of that assassin again, nor did I take the time to retrieve the silk handkerchief embroidered with the character "Bi".

The evening breeze suddenly grew stronger, and the strands of hair in my hand could not be held, lifting gently and swirling around my face, even causing my eyes to become hazy

Nanya turned back, tightly holding my hand, filled with hope as she looked at me, "Qingwu, the Emperor will surely attain the position he deserves, won't he?"

It has always been

At nearly twenty years of age, although Tang Tianxiao held the esteemed position of emperor, he spent his days merely indulging in hunting and leisure activities, rarely visiting the imperial study, let alone attending to state affairs or reviewing memorials.

Taking out a silk handkerchief, I wiped away the tears that refused to flow during the day, watching as the intricately embroidered character "碧" became dampened. Just as I was lost in thought, shouts of killing came from over there

The two individuals left the Jing'an Palace with expressions of dejection, under the watchful eyes of the palace attendants who reveled in their misfortune. Once they reached the main road, they exchanged a glance and erupted into uncontrollable laughter

The leading guard recognized me and was taken aback, quickly explaining: "An assassin just rushed past, and we are currently searching. We must remain quiet and not disturb the Empress Dowager."

Tang Tianxiao smiled and tapped my forehead, "Only you, my dear, can speak like this! I cannot control others, but... I must have a place to listen to music and enjoy some tea, right?"

In front of the Jing'an Palace, hundreds of palace maidens, beautiful as the songbirds and swallows, adorned with jade cicada hairpins and floral ornaments, dressed in golden embroidered garments, gracefully stepping in golden beaded shoes, traversed among the vermilion pillars and golden doors intricately carved with dragons and phoenixes. Their gentle smiles and soft words carried the bright essence of spring, resonating in the air.

Women in chaotic times tend to possess exceptional adaptability. The palace maids quickly found their place in the new dynasty, while I had already formed a close relationship with the Zhou woman Nan Yayi, who had been stranded in the Chu palace before the palace fell, and I remained safe and sound as Nan Yayi's position became more secure

When the golden wind and the jade dew meet, it surpasses countless encounters in the world. Tender feelings are like water, and the beautiful moments are like a dream. Is it truly not to seek day after day and night after night

Nanya possesses exceptional talent, excelling in poetry, chess, playing the piano, and singing. As for me, I understand nothing and can do nothing; I only know how to foolishly smile and applaud her, thus living my tranquil days in peace amidst the chaotic times when the world is turned upside down

"Qingwu, people from Jiangnan are truly forgetful!" Nanya said to me, with a slight hint of sarcasm.

"Dead?" Tang Tianxiao once again wore a lazy smile, leaning back against the couch, elegantly crossing his legs on the couch, taking a drink to continue sipping, unexpectedly uttering such a phrase, "The moon has its phases of fullness and emptiness, and people experience joy and sorrow, parting and reunion; this has been difficult to achieve in ancient times."

Jingyi Courtyard, a small and inconspicuous side hall in the corner of the palace, resembling a cold palace, is precisely the temporary refuge for Nan Yayi and me

I can only smile gently with good humor, coldly observing the absurdity and shamelessness of the Chu Emperor, the grief and helplessness of Empress Dowager Du, and the disintegration of the Chu royal family... Until I find a place to belong in the new dynasty, the stiff smile and my unrecognizable appearance have become inseparable from me.

I am somewhat concerned and asked Nanya, "Will the Empress Dowager recognize you?"

The melancholic sound of the zither wanders through the vast, old house, even the auspicious patterns of the window shutters seem to evoke a hint of sorrow

Once again, when I awoke from the memories of my dreams, listening to the even breaths of Ya Yi beside me, I still doubted whether I was still in a dream

Ten years ago, Emperor Wu of the Tang, Tang Chengyuan, passed away at a young age, leading to a struggle for power among his brothers that once plunged the Zhou Dynasty into chaos. Taking advantage of the situation, Tang Chengshuo allied with Empress Dowager Xuan to establish the nine-year-old Tang Tianxiao as emperor. After ten years of purges and power balancing, the current political authority has entirely fallen into the hands of the regent and Empress Dowager Xuan

Qingwu, although you do not speak, how could I not see that you have someone in your heart? From the Chu Dynasty to the Great Zhou Dynasty, you have been using secret potions to conceal your beauty, avoiding attention... it is not much easier for me. Who is he? I think... as long as he is still in the Great Zhou, the Emperor should be able to help you

Dressing up naturally took too long, and I thought he wouldn't mind. I simply put on a soft plain garment nearby and went to open the door, bowing as I said: "Your Majesty, do you remember to come and see Sister Yayi?"

She sniffed it herself and smiled, saying: "Isn't this a fine gift from the Emperor! I really don't understand, weren't we supposed to be selected as candidates for the Emperor's consort? Why are we not allowed to be considered?"

Nanya's cheeks flushed with a rosy hue, while a pair of apricot-colored eyes shimmered with a brilliance akin to precious gems on her bright and beautiful face, dazzling enough to overshadow the splendid spring light of the imperial garden, illuminating the old buildings and presenting a stark contrast to her previously haggard and dejected appearance before the fall of the imperial city.

In my dreams, the pain still lingers, as I weep while clutching that silk handkerchief.

Next to Jingyi Courtyard, there flows a clear stream, hidden deep within the dense forest

I seized the jade pendant with force, holding it in front of my waist, and said, "If you do not intend to give it to the Emperor, it would be better to give it to me; it would certainly look better hanging on me than on the Emperor."

The days continued to pass by in a calm and uneventful manner, while Nan Yayi experienced alternating joy and sorrow, becoming increasingly restless with each passing day

Yet that night, I tossed and turned in bed for a long time before finally managing to fall asleep. My mind was in a daze, and the only thing I could see was the character "Bi" intricately embroidered on a pure white silk handkerchief, piercing my heart and causing an unrelenting pain.

Tang Tianxiao raised the corners of his eyes, a hint of teasing in his languid smile as he said: "What? Do you really want to become my consort?"

As an emperor, he did not possess the power to appoint successors according to his own wishes; he only hoped that when everyone's eyes were fixed on the position of the empress, he could quietly confer titles upon one or two favored concubines.

In the fourth month of the tenth year of the Jiahe era, Tang Chengshuo and Empress Dowager Xuan deliberated extensively and decided to confer the title of Empress upon Shen Fengyi, the daughter of General Shen Du.

I am well aware that it is easy for her to return to Tang Tianxiao, and I cherish the time they can spend together. I do not wish to advise her further, so I quietly went out and instructed the two maids, Qinyue and Ningshuang, whom Tang Tianxiao sent to serve us, to be extra cautious. They should keep the courtyard gate tightly closed when there is nothing to do, avoid trouble, and refrain from listening to idle gossip

Indeed, it was on that very night when I was taken away that my mother passed away suddenly; the following day, my brother was imprisoned for treason and soon died in jail

Sitting by the white marble stone bridge, holding a bamboo flute, I play until the moonlight dances on the water, the fragrance of the blue lotus fills the air, and I am left with a cool, damp face.

Nanya gently shook her head, brushing aside the bangs that fell between her temples. The light golden chrysanthemum-patterned silk sleeves fluttered in the evening breeze, "I still haven't figured out what exactly happened. I think it has something to do with my mother. I am not a palace maid, and my elder brother is an official in the court, but the Emperor could not bear to part with my mother, so he has kept her in the palace to provide for her. I often go to see my mother, and thus I frequently meet the Emperor... We get along very well, playing the zither, singing and dancing, composing poetry, and brewing tea. But one day, just as I had left the palace, the Emperor sent a eunuch to inform me to immediately accompany the envoy to Nanchu, departing that very day. He also had someone convey a message for me to wait for him.

Tang Tianxiao smiled, a fleeting cold mockery flashing by, quickly transforming into a nonchalant laziness. "As for me, I am still a bit young; I must first let my elder brother Tianzhong take the lead before I choose a consort, right"

Even Lian Nanya did not expect that Regent Tang Chengshuo would issue an order to gather all the palace maidens who had not yet served the emperor, stating that he would select consorts for the Great Zhou Jiahe Emperor and several royal relatives. The decree sent shockwaves throughout the palace. Former palace slaves rising to become royal relatives, soaring to great heights in an instant, is indeed the dream of the vast majority of women. The emergence of such a grand occasion was therefore to be expected.

I do not argue either, but merely watch the beautifully dressed ladies lined up, waiting to be chosen, feeling a bit bitter inside

Before applying the secret medicine that Empress Dowager Du had specially prepared for me, my skin was delicate and fair, my features exquisite, especially my pair of naturally arched eyebrows resembling distant mountains, long and graceful, possessing their own charm

I looked around and frowned, saying: "Where did the assassin come from? I have been on this bridge the whole time and have not seen anyone pass by."

He is still protecting you. I concluded with a smile

Nanya was taken aback and asked, "What woman? Could it be that... a few days ago, the selection of beauties in the palace was to find all the beautiful women for him to check if that woman is among them?"

Do you really think you are selecting a consort for me?

The imperial palace, imperial power, and the ever-changing tides of intrigue

But in the next moment, he frowned and said, "Could it be that you... know about this woman?"

Few people know that within the Jingyi Courtyard resides a woman named Nanya Yi, who possesses remarkable beauty and is skilled in singing and dancing. She is the daughter of Tang Tianxiao's wet nurse and has been his close confidante since childhood

My facial features are quite symmetrical, yet no matter how thick the rouge is, it cannot conceal the dull and coarse complexion. The large peony pinned in my hair only accentuates the vulgarity of my makeup; Nan Yayi, on the other hand, does not wear any cosmetics, appearing fresh and refined, but her lip color is extremely pale. Occasionally, she covers her mouth to cough a few times, and when her clothes are checked, an unpleasant odor emanates, causing the elderly palace maid conducting the inspection to hurriedly cover her nose and wave her hand, urging her to leave quickly

Tang Tianxiao's bright eyes dimmed slightly as he lifted his gaze to the already faded coiled dragon caisson between the beams. After a moment of distraction, he suddenly let out a soft laugh, tossing aside the half-finished teacup. As the crisp sound of shattering echoed, he rose with a flourish, picked up a fishing rod from the doorway, and gracefully walked out of the house

Kang Hou Tang Tianrui? The legitimate eldest son of the regent? Nan Yayi exclaimed, "Even though he is older, after all... there should be a distinction between nobility and commonality, right?"

After two days, when inquiring about the results of the selection, it was found that many beauties had indeed been chosen, and they all successfully ascended to high positions: Tang Tianxiao gained nine concubines ranked below the imperial consort, and an additional twenty-one were bestowed upon Tang Tianxiao's four brothers

Nanya also became puzzled, pulling me up while saying, "Oh, right, Qingwu, you are actually from the palace of Empress Dowager Du, aren't you?"

I open the petals, I close the window, and I do not look at the scattered fallen flowers outside

He raised an empty wine cup towards me; I hurriedly filled it for him. After he drank it all, he smiled and said: "You see, the regent and I, that day, the elder brother, the father and son, were both so prominent, always able to cover the sky with one hand, unstoppable, right? Yet, Tang Tianzhong still sat uneasily, searching throughout the entire Rui Capital but could not find the woman he liked!"

Therefore, I pointed to the lotus pond without hesitation and whispered to him: "Can you swim? Go hide in the water, I will distract them."

Remember that I caused his family to be ruined and left with no way out

Nanya felt somewhat depressed. When Tang Tianxiao came again, his words revealed a hint of complaint: "Does the Emperor not wish for me to become your concubine?"

It has been nearly two years since then

The cause of death for this mother and son is naturally suspicious. Given Tang Tianxiao's attitude towards his wet nurse and Nan Yayi, he would never passively allow such a tragedy to occur unless absolutely necessary

"What? What is wrong with me?" I casually released her hand, arranging the black hair that fell in front of my chest

And I merely continue my ordinary life as an observer, watching the intense farce unfold in the palace scene after scene, witnessing the exceptional talents and strategies of the talented men and beautiful women, as well as their splendid love stories, silently counting the wasted years that flow by like water.

But since she brought it up, I asked: "Oh, the Emperor couldn't protect you... Could it be related to the Empress Dowager or the Regent?"

His voice was deep, slightly hoarse and tinged with fatigue, yet inexplicably gentle, as if at this moment... The slowly cascading moonlight was in stark contrast to his tall figure and the aura of violence that surrounded him

Tang Tianxiao took the tea cup, pinched his nose, and laughed, "It really smells bad!"

While the two were in a heated argument, a knock on the door was heard from outside, accompanied by Ning Shuang's anxious call: "Miss, Miss, Miss Ya Yi, the Emperor is here!"

As I smiled and stepped aside, Tang Tianxiao looked at me with slightly narrowed phoenix eyes and praised, "Not bad! No wonder Yayi told me that you are even more beautiful than her. Indeed, a pair of sister flowers!"

Being selected among the elite is neither my wish, nor the wish of Nanya, or, to put it another way, it is not the wish of Emperor Jiahe, Tang Tianxiao, therefore, being eliminated was to be expected

Empress Dowager Xuan's selection of Shen Fengyi was certainly not solely based on the belief in the auspicious fate associated with her; Tang Tianxiao's acceptance of Shen Fengyi must also be unrelated to her temperament or appearance. If one could truly choose, Nanya should have long been the most favored concubine in this palace, rather than being hidden away, only to receive brief visits every few days.

In a daze, I heard someone calling me, and then my wrist was lifted by someone. As I regained my composure and looked, I saw Nanya hurriedly taking the wine jug from my hand, while Tang Tianxiao discarded the overflowing wine cup, busy wiping the wine from his sleeve

Tang Tianxiao gazed at Nanya Yi, a look of pity passing through his eyes, and sighed softly: "If you truly wish to remain by my side, I will not make you suffer. Those who are being conferred now are all of lower rank among the consorts; when I establish a queen, I will appoint one or two consorts of the first or second rank according to my own wishes..."

As I was reflecting on Tang Tianxiao's lack of understanding of romantic sentiments, he suddenly spoke up

I composed myself and, without waiting for the palace guards who were chasing after me to approach, rushed over to reprimand them: "What are you shouting about? The Empress Dowager is unwell and has just fallen asleep. Can you bear the consequences of disturbing her?"

Raising his head, before he could fully comprehend what was happening, a masked man sprang out from the shadows by the pond, his sword gleaming fiercely as it came at him.

This time, I am unwilling to even be a bystander; I only hope to keep my distance and find some peace of mind.

Before I could recover from his abrupt behavior, he released me and quietly stepped down into the lotus pond, allowing the water to engulf him, with even the unusual ripples quickly disappearing in the gentle breeze

On a soft couch, leaning against the old window frame, lay the most esteemed man of the present Zhou Dynasty.

It felt as if my heart was suddenly lifted by someone, and I was taken aback, halting my breath, while a loud ringing echoed in my mind

"Your Majesty... cannot help me either." I picked a few petals of pear blossoms that had drifted to the window, gazing at this beauty that was about to vanish completely, feeling a pang of bitterness in my heart, yet I chuckled softly, "Perhaps... perhaps he has long since married and started a family. However, he must still remember me, remember me..."

Tang Tianxiao helped me up, pinching his index and middle fingers together, and gently tapped my forehead with a "thump," smiling as he said, "Only you know how to talk! When have I ever forgotten about your sister?"

When the Great Zhou occupied Ruidu, Tang Tianxiao immediately found her, and I closely followed her, both of us being settled in Jingyi Courtyard.

Tang Tianxiao, now nineteen years old, has long surpassed the age for marriage. Initially, Regent Wang Tang Chengshuo delayed the matter under the pretext of waging war against Nanchu. Now that Nanchu has surrendered and the political situation has stabilized, Empress Dowager Xuan no longer wishes to procrastinate. She has summoned the daughters of several prominent ministers multiple times, indicating that the matter of establishing a queen has been decided.

Your Majesty

Indeed, such a lively scene truly does not suggest that the Royal City of Ruidu has just changed hands

I knew that Tang Tianxiao could not make the decision, so I hurriedly stepped forward to massage Tang Tianxiao's legs and smiled, "Qingwu finds those beauties to be quite ordinary, far inferior to Sister Yayi, I must say!"

In front of Nanya Yi, who grew up with him since childhood, he does not need to hide his emotions

I appreciated the moment and smiled, saying: "Sister, are you asking whether I play well, or whether I look good hanging at the emperor's waist?"

A line of poetry that is quite melancholic was recited by him in a casually tipsy tone, inexplicably adding a hint of schadenfreude to its meaning

The jade pendant of Nine Dragons, radiant and luminous, was left behind by Tang Tianxiao during his last visit; Nanya Yi believed that the tassels hanging from it were too ordinary, so she crafted this orange-yellow tassel depicting mandarin ducks playing in the water. The silk threads are evenly and densely woven, and the pair of mandarin ducks is vividly lifelike, indeed exquisite.

Near and far, the sound of cuckoos sends spring away, lamenting the lost youth of countless individuals

Then it must be that they did not go to the Empress Dowager's palace!

The tea is fragrant, while the unpleasant smell naturally comes from the scent on Nanya Yi.

I have always believed that I possess strong adaptability, as evidenced by the fact that even on the day when Emperor Chu led his officials to surrender to the Zhou, I was able to hide in the humble palace of Nanya Yi, sharing warmth with her and falling asleep peacefully.

Oh, does he not know what this woman is called

Tang Tianxiao slightly tilted his head, his long hair cascading like ink. He chuckled lightly, saying, "Silly girl, in this world, there is no one who can do anything according to their own wishes"

The attire is unremarkable, the demeanor languid, and the slanted phoenix eyes carry a hint of intoxication with wine and pleasure. This young emperor possesses handsome features and graceful manners, yet lacks any of the sharpness and nobility expected of a ruler, appearing as delicate as those effete scions of the gentry from the Jiangnan region, who are unable to shoulder burdens or lift weights.

In astonishment, as the silk fell to the ground, I felt a chill around my neck, yet did not sense any pain; that person merely tightened the sword against my throat, their slightly sunken black eyes shining brightly, yet emanating a coldness more frigid than flowing water

Indeed, today's draft is an unexpected event

Tang Tianxiao, in high spirits, took Nan Yayi's hand and said with a smile: "I would never be the one to spoil the fun! This girl has known me for so long, yet she still refuses to show her true self, which indicates that she has long had someone in her heart, at least she doesn't regard me highly! I wonder, who taught you this trick? In the past, you were afraid of the Chu Emperor bullying you, but now, who are you afraid will bully you?"

However, Kang Hou Tang Tianrui, although he had personally gone to see those beauties, did not choose any one of them.

or rather, the most esteemed man in name

The beautiful pupils of Nanya reflect her beloved, which is a nine-day eagle with its wings folded, and even more so, a sharp sword eager to leap into action

I have prepared to sleep, and my face has naturally been washed clean, unlike my usual unremarkable appearance. Upon hearing this, I merely lowered my head and quietly stepped aside. However, Nanya approached with a smile and said, "If the Emperor likes it, why not include us both in the harem? In the future, if the Emperor grows weary of us, we sisters can still keep each other company, so as not to feel lonely in the deep palace"

On the second day of inquiries, the assassin had already escaped, and my silk scarf had also vanished

The beloved white lotus of previous years has long withered, and when it blooms again, it is no longer the same one as before

I finally calmed down, curled the corners of my lips, and smiled faintly, saying: "Isn't that so? It suddenly reminds me of a deceased sister."

Indeed. Tang Tianxiao handed me the empty wine cup again, asking me to refill it. He had only seen this woman once and had chosen a silk handkerchief from her. It is said that the handkerchief was embroidered with the character 'Bi'.

Shen Fengyi, although born into a military family, possesses remarkable beauty. It is said that her mother dreamed of a phoenix coming to bestow auspiciousness before she was born, and thus named her "Fengyi". Moreover, fortune tellers have repeatedly claimed that she has the features of great nobility. Now that she has been conferred the title of empress, it can be considered a fitting recognition of her status.

"You silly girl, are you dreaming?" Nanya rushed over, laughing as she tickled me while trying to snatch the jade pendant. I am ticklish, so I laughed and tried to tickle her back. Seeing her laugh heartily, no longer looking dejected, I felt relieved.

I have not failed to guess, but within the depths of the palace, who does not harbor some unspoken secrets and thoughts? Sometimes, knowing too much can be quite unfortunate

A soft whistle from the young eunuch outside signaled his prompt return to the palace

In recent days, the story of Tang Tianzhong's desperate search for the beauty under the moon has spread throughout the palace, embellished in accordance with the traditional ways of gossip. The most outrageous version claims that Lord Kang secretly visited the Chu palace at night, where he encountered the Lotus Fairy playing the flute under the moonlight. The fairy, captivated by Lord Kang's youthful handsomeness, waved her delicate hand to fend off enemies and accompanied him to the clouds and rain of Wushan. ... Lord Kang, having tasted the sweetness of this encounter, could not forget it from then on ...

I know that he absolutely wanted to help me, but he has always been anxious. It was not until... shortly after arriving in Ruido, I heard the news of my mother and elder brother's deaths, which finally confirmed my suspicions

I said with a bitter smile: "Since it has been said that you are General Lu's daughter, you should be sent to the Lu residence. Staying here in the palace, what if you expose a flaw?"

Those nine beauties were chosen by the Empress for me. Although I have seen each of them, I have not been able to remember the name of any one of them, nor have I been able to recall the face of any one of them

He did not find her. Tang Tianxiao stood up, holding a wine cup as he approached the window, and said with delight, "It is said that the woman was originally from the palace of Empress Dowager Du, and her name should contain the character 'Bi'. Unfortunately, Empress Dowager Du passed away six months ago, and the palace maids have scattered; it is unknown where this woman has ended up. In order to find this celestial-like woman, the first thing Tang Tianzhong did upon entering the palace city was to invite all the palace maids with 'Bi' in their names to the regent's residence. Later, he suspected that they might have been sent to guard the empress dowager's tomb, so he personally visited the tomb of Empress Du. Ha, I did not know that this cousin of mine was such a lovesick fool!"

With a bitter smile, I silently combed my long hair, no longer knowing which year I would have to wait for someone to infuse a pool of clear spring water into the emptiness that filled my heart and eyes

Two years ago, the Great Zhou sent ten beautiful women to the Emperor of Chu, Li Mingchang, to disrupt the political situation in Southern Chu. Unknowingly or not, they included Nan Ya as well. From the very first day she entered the palace, she was gravely ill and unable to serve the emperor, which led to her being neglected and struggling even for basic sustenance. After I noticed her a year ago, I have been secretly providing her with assistance and have referred to her as my sister.

I do not wish to die, nor do I want to become this person's hostage, becoming a sacrifice for the maintenance of the interests of the Southern Chu royal family

Therefore, in the more than one month since we met, I have seen a seemingly mediocre and incompetent young emperor, who occasionally reveals sharp thorns unexpectedly, and at times shows a childlike sense of grievance and unwillingness.

Nanya gently wiped the strings of the zither, and upon hearing the words, she dropped the silk handkerchief, propped her hand against her forehead, and sighed softly: "Temperament? This Shen Fengyi, her mother is a cousin of Empress Dowager Xuan, and her father is a trusted general who fought alongside the regent to establish the kingdom. How good do you think her temperament could be? When I was in the North, I often saw her coming and going in the palace. Apart from being in front of the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, did she ever look at anyone else? The Emperor's favor... can it truly protect me solely based on that? When I was in the North, I often saw her coming and going in the palace. Apart from being in front of the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, did she ever look at anyone else? The Emperor's favor... can it truly protect me solely based on that? Unless..."

I held her delicate fingers and smiled, saying, "Yes, sister, after enduring until today, it is time to relax!"

If my life could be as tranquil as the stream flowing beside Jingyi Courtyard, it would indeed be a fortune that I could not even dare to wish for

Nanya smiled gently, but her delicate eyebrows, resembling willow leaves, furrowed slightly

Nanya casually wove a bright orange tassel, her recently plump and radiant face displaying a faint smile. "That legendary General Lu's daughter is still in her hometown! The Emperor has said that once the decree for her to be conferred as a consort is issued, she will enter the palace in the Lu family's carriage."

"Get up, it's nothing." Although Tang Tianxiao frowned at the damp sleeves of his robe, he was never one to be particular about small matters. Moreover, given his close relationship with Nan Yayi, it was entirely expected that he would forgive my rudeness

The guards immediately accompanied with smiles, briefly inspected the area near the lotus pond, and then hurriedly pursued in another direction

Qingwu

I saw that Nanya was frowning with worry, and I advised her: "Sister, regardless of who becomes the queen, as long as her temperament is acceptable, with the emperor's favor, you can rest easy without concern"

The lotus pond in front of De Shou Palace is the place I linger the most. The gently rippling water surface captures the clear moonlight of the day, and even the moon sways beside the pale pink water lilies, as if someone is sighing softly.

As she spoke this way, her voice slightly lowered, carrying a hint of hesitation

I immediately understood, hurried to fetch boiling water and tea utensils, watching her skillfully prepare the tea, warm the cups, heat the teapot, pour from a height, and serve with a low pour, all the while brewing fragrant tea and conversing with Tang Tianxiao

What Nanya Yi heard from Tang Tianxiao can be considered one of the closest accounts to the truth. At the very least, Tang Tianxiao could ascertain that Tang Tian had encountered a palace maid or unmarried female official of relatively high status from the court of Empress Dowager Du of Southern Chu, who was known for her outstanding beauty and skill in playing the flute

We are all startled at the thought of Tang Tianxiao visiting late at night again

He smiled slightly and did not continue speaking, yet the meaning was already clear

Nanya led me, bowing down with a smile

Nanya did not respond, walked to the piano, lightly plucked the strings, and played a piece titled "The Magpie Bridge Immortal"

Why

She tightened her grip on Tang Tianxiao's hand and clearly and forcefully articulated in a low voice: "Yayi believes that the Emperor will eventually be able to do anything according to his own wishes!"

You waited for him. You waited for more than two years. I smiled, "Sister has endured a lot of hardships for him, but it can be considered that the suffering has finally come to an end."

Upon mentioning Empress Dowager Xuan, Nanya's face turned pale, and she paused the music, silently placing her delicate fingers on the strings of the zither.

In fact, I cannot be certain, but as I watched Nanya struggle painfully from Zhou to Chu and then back from Chu to Zhou, a deep and lingering fear had already taken root in the depths of my heart. I could only comfort her: "Your Majesty... is definitely not a coward. Moreover, he is the biological son of the Empress Dowager, holding the power of the throne, which is only a matter of time."

Nanya shook her head and said, "It should not be a problem. I am not a palace maid. Every time I enter the palace to see the Emperor, if the Empress Dowager arrives, it is customary to avoid her. Moreover, there are many palace maids, and after these few years, their appearances have changed somewhat. How could she possibly recognize me?"

After Shen Fengyi's position as the consort was confirmed, the original candidates for the position became future concubines. Naturally, there were numerous royal strategic considerations, most of whom were daughters of high-ranking officials or military generals. As the daughter of a disgraced official, Nan Yayi could not compete with these individuals; however, Tang Tianxiao clearly did not intend to let her suffer, as he arranged for her to be presented as the daughter of a general stationed at the border, along with a portrait submitted to the Empress Dowager.

Nanya's eyes were slightly red, and her usually bright smile had faded.

Tang Tianxiao did not raise his head, his long fingers lightly curled, and the fine wine from the white porcelain jug flowed down, just filling the wine cup in his right hand. He drank it all in one go, comfortably sighing as if savoring the aroma of the wine on his tongue

With Tang Tianxiao's discreet support, although the exterior of Jingyi Courtyard appears somewhat antiquated, the furnishings in our bedroom are relatively exquisite. The bronze mirror on the dressing table is free of dust, clearly reflecting my visage in the morning light

Beyond the curtain, one can faintly see the pear blossoms resembling snow, blanketing the bluestone steps.

Dead ... ... is dead ?

He sat up, savoring the fine tea brewed by Nanya, and said slowly: "Do you truly wish to become one of them?"

Once again, the third spring has come to an end

She could be considered a beauty, a beauty capable of bringing calamity to herself and others. It is a pity for her pair of eyes, which were once lively like a bubbling spring in her youth, but now they are hollow and empty, resembling a well that has dried up for countless years

That assassin turned out to be Tang Tianzhong, the Marquis of Kang from the Great Zhou? He is still relentlessly searching for me with that handkerchief in hand

Let's talk!

Nanya smiled, her brows and eyes curving gracefully, exuding an unparalleled charm. "Of course, he is not cowardly. He has been secretly taught military strategy and martial arts since he was ten years old. Do not be deceived by his seemingly lazy demeanor; his skills may not be much inferior to that of Tang Tianzhong, who is so proud and arrogant!"

Nanya smiled and said, "Is there a difference?"

The person hesitated and stared at me, the brilliance in their eyes flickering unpredictably. Suddenly, they withdrew their sword, but then pulled my arm and swiftly drew me into their embrace, holding me tightly for a moment, and whispered in my ear: "I believe in you. Don't cry!"

Nanya stood up and waved her hand

Tang Tianxiao, with his eyes closed, lazily leaned against the back of the chair, the long sleeves of his light yellow robe hanging down, as if he were asleep

Nanya expressed her heartache, and her emotions immediately became chaotic. She quickly walked to the window, took a deep breath twice, and sighed, "Qingwu, do you know why I was sent to the Chu Palace?"

It seems I can hear a young man gently laughing: "The autumn cicada wings are like the hair of Chan Juan, the delicate moths reflect the distant mountain hues. Mu Er, everyone says your eyes can speak, but I see that your brows can speak as well!"

After a while of being in a daze, the dim window curtains have begun to let in bright light. Ya Yi, half awake and half asleep, groggily asked me: "Qing Wu, was I dreaming? I tossed and turned all night, and even I couldn't sleep well because of the noise."

I remain silent

I do not know. Nan Yayi gazed at the falling pear blossoms in the courtyard, and the sorrow that had been diluted by her lover's presence over the past two to three months resurfaced in her eyes. I recently asked the Emperor, and he remained silent for a long time before telling me that he would take revenge for this grievance, assuring me that I need not worry.

Emperor Jiahe, Tang Tianxiao, was the most leisurely emperor in the world. Tired of hunting, he suddenly developed a fondness for fishing, often spending long days by the tranquil stream with his fishing rod, taking pleasure in the ability to eat the fish he caught that very day

Tang Tianxiao usually jokes and laughs with us sisters, always carefree and unruly, with a lazy smile rarely leaving his lips; but at this moment, he suddenly fixed his gaze on me, his eyes deep and sharp, "What sisters?"

Tang Chengshuo and Empress Xuan had a close relationship, and there were even some ambiguous rumors circulating, which could no longer be suppressed at this point. Therefore, the only consideration now was whom to establish as the empress.

"Your Majesty, please forgive me, Your Majesty, please forgive me!" I hurriedly bent down to knock my head on the ground in apology, and fine beads of sweat had already begun to emerge on my forehead

I could only feel that the blood and sweat from that assassin had seemingly stained my thin plain garment, fearing that this person might emerge from the water again and act disrespectfully towards me. As I watched the guards leave, I immediately rushed back to the De Shou Palace

I felt a tingling sensation on my scalp, and I sighed softly: "That sister... her name is Ning Bi, and she was also a personal maid of Empress Dowager Du at that time. She was beautiful and intelligent, skilled in poetry, songs, and essays, which delighted the Empress Dowager immensely! Unfortunately, fate did not grant her a long life; she fell ill and passed away a few months ago. However, this Sister Ning Bi never left the Chu Palace, so how could she possibly know Lord Kang of the Great Zhou?"

Tang Tianxiao has not visited Jingyi Palace for three consecutive days, which has made Nanya appear somewhat listless. That evening, she removed her hairpins and, before going to bed, took a piece of jade to examine closely. Leaning against the bed curtains, she asked me: "Qingwu, do you think this tassel looks nice?"

I responded vaguely with a sound, she yawned, turned to the side, and closed her eyes again

I saw that she was sound asleep, and only then did I quietly get out of bed to groom myself

Nanya, feeling uneasy, followed closely behind me and hesitantly said: "If... if you can let go, it may not be a bad thing for us sisters to unite and serve the Emperor together..."

Outside, Tang Tianxiao's light laughter could be heard: "Two crazy girls, having such a good time!"