Chapter 10, Naturally Charming Bone

Since Emperor Wu of Han elevated Confucianism to a position of prominence, there has been a strict emphasis on etiquette and a clear distinction of social hierarchy in all matters, which is meticulously reflected in the architecture of the imperial palace. For instance, the main hall of the Hall of Viewing Winds features a first-class double-eaved roof with a four-sided slope. The next level is represented by the main building of the Imperial Study, which has a double-eaved hipped roof, indicating the status of the Imperial Study within the Upper Sun Palace. Below this are the single-eaved pavilion style, single-eaved hipped style, hanging mountain style, as well as the rolled shed style and the lowest grade, the gable roof style.

At the same time, with a surge of intention, I lunged forward, catching the ink pot that she had just released without spilling a single drop of ink. With my other hand, I firmly grasped the delicate, almost ethereal arm of the light beauty, where my touch felt as soft as if it had no bones, captivating my very soul.

His gaze then fell upon a scroll hanging to the front right of the dragon seat, not because of its exquisite imagery, but because it was fundamentally unclear what it depicted. From a distance, it appeared almost entirely covered in white dots, with something seemingly in the center. Unable to resist, he walked over from one side of the scroll to the other.

Ren Ya stood up gracefully, her head slightly bowed, and gently said: "Master Eagle, please set off first"

Long Ying was taken aback and finally put down his pen, incredulously saying: "Am I going to kill him?"

Lord Rong lowered his voice further and said: "I have heard that His Majesty is to receive the delegation from Tubo at the Palace of All Phenomena, and it is likely that they will not arrive at the Imperial Study until the afternoon. The leader of this delegation is named Hengkong Muye, who is said to be an invincible swordsman in that country"

Long Ying shouted: "Where can I find that guy?"

Long Ying felt a bit embarrassed and changed the subject, saying: "I want to find the fat grandfather, what should I do?" If he were to search through each hall and courtyard, it is likely that he would not find the person even after three days and three nights.

After Ren Ya left, Long Ying once again wrote swiftly, pondering to herself why she had returned in such a huff when she was supposed to be receiving the foreign envoy known as Hengkong Muye. This only heightened her sense that something was amiss

The main entrance of the Imperial Study, known as the "Jing Tian Men," faces east. Upon entering, the main structure of the Imperial Study stands prominently ahead, featuring a grand double-eaved hip roof, which is magnificent in scale, second only to the main hall, the Guan Feng Dian.

Ren Ya could not help but steal another glance at him, exclaiming, "Eagle Master, do you not need to look at the text while writing? Oh! Eagle Master writes so quickly"

Long Ying finally woke up, handed the ink pot into her hand, released his grip on her hand, and smiled, saying: "It is my fault, I have startled you, Miss."

Long Ying felt an immense joy in his heart upon seeing her take the initiative to speak. Her voice still retained a childlike quality, soft and sweet, innocent and carefree, piercing directly into the depths of Long Ying's heart. Her pure beauty made Long Ying's resolve even more crystalline and serene, bringing peace to his mind and spirit. The sunlight gently bathed the tranquil study in the garden outside, while a long wind blew in gusts from the direction of the Luo River, causing the pines and cypresses to rustle. Despite the harsh winter, with the ground frozen and the air cold, the two hearts were fervently beating.

The dragon eagle was taken aback and stopped writing

Having spoken, he turned and left

This exquisite young palace maid, personally chosen by Wu Zetian, has touched Long Ying's heart. If there is such a thing as love at first sight in this world, it must be like this. It also demonstrates Wu Zetian's "insight into people's character," as she has completely and absolutely grasped Long Ying.

Ren Ya, still shaken, could not help but let out soft gasps. She lowered her head to avoid his gaze, and her face began to burn, spreading to her ears. Desperately clutching the ink pot, she knelt down and said: "Ren Ya pays her respects to Master Ying. This servant knows her wrongdoing, please forgive this servant, Master Ying."

Wu Zetian said softly: "Upon seeing you, all my anger dissipates. Moreover, Xue Huaiyi's time has come to an end; why should I be angry over a person whose days are numbered"

If it were not for the guidance of Lord Rong, Long Ying would certainly have expended a great deal of effort to find his way here

As I moved closer, I began to realize that the painting depicted a scene of heavy snowfall. The artist must be a master in this field, as they have vividly captured the essence of snow blanketing the sky, evoking a profound and indescribable feeling towards the snowfall deep within the viewer's heart, purifying the world. Upon closer inspection, three men can be faintly seen in the depths of the snowy landscape, with one in the middle particularly clear, leaving a striking impression of elegance and extraordinary grace.

Ren Ya's grace cannot compare to Duanmu Ling's ethereal elegance, nor can it match the captivating charm of the little witch. Her brilliance pales in comparison to Princess Taiping's alluring and carefree demeanor. However, her delicate and enchanting presence, her fair skin with a hint of rosy glow, her porcelain-like face, and her deep dimples indeed evoke a sense of pity and affection to the utmost degree. She possesses a natural purity that radiates from her very bones, devoid of any impurities. The intrigues of the court have no bearing on her whatsoever. Just a glance, and Long Ying felt that he would sacrifice everything, including his own life, to protect her from any harm.

As the trusted eunuch of Empress Wu, Lord Rong would not dare to enter the chamber unless summoned by Wu herself. Accompanied by Long Ying, he arrived at the steps before the palace room and lowered his voice, saying: "Ren Ya is currently grinding ink for Master Ying inside the room; everything is being arranged by her. Hey! Ren Ya is a little palace maid personally selected by His Majesty for Master Ying, and she will only be seventeen in two months. In two hours, I will personally bring back the lunch prepared by the imperial chef for Master Ying, and at that time, I will invite Master Ying to dine in the central courtyard."

How is his martial arts skill

Lord Rong was greatly startled and hurriedly said: "This servant does not dare to know or hear anything."

At that moment, a sound of the back door opening was heard, slightly pushed open and then gently closed again. A petite and delicate palace maid tiptoed in, rolling up her sleeves to reveal her snow-white arms, holding a pot that exuded the fragrance of ink.

Long Ying turned around. As he was standing almost on the axis, Xiao Gong'e did not notice his presence for a moment. It was only after she walked around the dragon table that she came face to face with Long Ying, which frightened her to the point that her complexion changed dramatically, causing her to lose her grip on the ink pot she was holding, and it was about to fall to the ground.

Wu Zetian sighed lightly and said: "This person once rendered great service to me, but relying on his favor, he has become increasingly arrogant and difficult to manage, growing more and more out of control. Half a month ago, he came to the Shangyang Palace to discuss matters with me, and upon seeing my close attendant, Xiaoren, he shamelessly asked me for her, claiming that this woman possesses an innate charm and is the best among women, greatly benefiting his schemes. I firmly refused him, and he left in resentment. This time, he is scheming against the gentleman, which is a direct act of revenge against me, and his intentions are worthy of punishment. The gentleman truly astonishes people; his writing style remains calm and composed, showing no signs of disturbance."

The more I look at her, the more I find her beautiful; the more I look at her, the more I find her adorable. Her facial features are exquisitely and perfectly contoured, reminiscent of the undulating beauty of the ethereal mountains and rivers, graceful and elegant.

The elegant person lost their composure, feeling at a loss for what to do

After speaking, he gestured to the two guards at the door. The guards complied and opened the middle door of the imperial study. Long Ying cast a glance, but his line of sight was obstructed by the screen, preventing him from seeing the interior.

Long Ying knew that she was reading the freshly published Great Law and said: "The common people can probably write one chapter each day, finishing it in eleven days. I thought the saint would return only after noon."

Although he is currently struggling to protect himself, if one day he is able to leave, he will take Ren Ya with him, carrying her to the ends of the earth, inseparable, and bestowing upon her happiness and joy

Lord Rong, having regained his composure, said: "I will go inform Fat Lord."

At this moment, Long Ying finally saw her clearly, and his mind was struck with a thunderous shock, as all the rules he had previously calculated to strictly adhere to in the palace regarding how a mother should not casually engage in matters between men and women with the women in the palace were cast aside into the heavens.

The Imperial Garden is located at the center, with Longying first encountering Wu Zetian's Buddhist hall situated in the northwest corner of the garden. The Imperial Study is positioned at the center; although it is named a study, it is actually an independent complex, forming a garden within the garden.

On either side of the study, there is a book pavilion, and behind the room is the second courtyard, with the main hall and side hall connected by a corridor, forming a square courtyard. The final section is the Juanqin Study, which serves as a suitable place for Wu Zetian to take a brief rest.

Wu Zetian said lightly: "Just now, the abbot of Baima Temple, Xue Huaiyi, barged into the palace to demand people from me, and I allowed him to take away the little Buddha and his group."

The dragon eagle settled down at a few characters, and before him lay a volume inscribed with the title "The Great Method of Cultivating the Heart and Subduing Demons, Volume One." He recognized it as the handwriting of Wu Zhao, and let out a quiet sigh. He picked up the brush and gazed intently at the graceful little palace maid, who was seriously pouring the ink ground from the pot into the stone inkstone. Once she finished, he turned to the first page with his left hand, while his right hand dipped the brush into the ink, swiftly writing on the blank page, his gaze still unable to leave this elegant figure.

Long Ying exclaimed, "Is His Majesty preparing to kill him?"

Ren Ya's delicate body trembled lightly as she knelt on the ground

Long Ying felt pleased in his heart, believing that there was no greater master of demon urging than this. Moreover, Xue Huaiyi harbored ill intentions towards his charming and elegant companion. Eliminating him would resolve everything, yet his doubts increased significantly. He asked, "Is Your Majesty not afraid that he will eliminate me? Has no one recorded the great law for you?"

Wu Zetian stood as if reporting to him, feeling as strange as it could be. It also occurred to her that Wu Zetian could kill anyone she wished, regardless of their merits or demerits, which clearly indicated that her relationship with Xue Huaiyi was not as simple as she claimed. With this thought, a sense of understanding began to dawn in her heart

The palace is like a great prison, locking away their freedom and burying their youth and happiness

Wu Zetian said: "Xue Huaiyi and Di Renjie have always been like water and fire, and the state elders have repeatedly sent skilled fighters to ambush Xue Huaiyi, but they have returned with heavy losses. This man has enemies everywhere, deserving of death, yet no one can do anything to him, which shows that his evil skills and strange arts have reached perfection. However, today, his nemesis has finally appeared"

Her beauty is a heart-wrenching beauty

Wu Zetian leisurely remarked: "In the history of the Demon Gate, you are the second person to master the Great Demon Technique. Your predecessor was invincible at that time; characters like Xue Huaiyi would probably not last more than ten moves under his hand. Even if you cannot be compared to that person, you should not be far off. I want you to behead him to ensure that he is truly dead. Once completed, the position of Renya will be yours, and you shall not take my words lightly. I have other important matters to attend to, so I fear I will not be able to see you again today. This place is as good as your home, so there is no need for formalities."

The dragon eagle truly heard her heart racing like a startled deer, and the fragrance was even more intoxicating, leaving him momentarily dazed, as if he had ascended to a realm of immortals, forgetting to loosen his grip on the young lady's delicate arm.

The corridor outside is surrounded by pine and cypress trees, which brings a lively and natural atmosphere to the imperial study. His workspace is situated on one side near the outer door, furnished with a chair and a table, likely a temporary arrangement made for his use. On the table lies a thick volume, held down by a weight, alongside several brushes of different styles placed in a brush holder. Next to the brushes is an open ink stone, yet there is no ink to be found.

Wu Zetian's voice softened as she gently said: "The Great Magic of Cultivation is indeed extraordinary, but the insights into the Daoist practice of Qi cultivation are already remarkable."

Alas! She actually knew how to practice the great magic of planting with Yu Tian. Upon thinking of this, a tremor ran through her heart

The room was quiet and serene, and one could not see Wu Zhao personally selecting young maidens who were not yet seventeen.

Long Ying was taken aback, pondering who exactly Xue Huaiyi was, to be able to compel Wu Zhao to hand over a person

Ren Ya exclaimed, "Eagle Master!" In her flustered state, she only understood to reach out and hope to retrieve the ink pot, in order to complete the task.

***

Long Ying shook his head and said, "I have no interest in the teachings of Confucius and Mencius"

Long Ying hurriedly said: "Get up quickly, you haven't done anything wrong."

Long Ying exclaimed: "The Emperor is right! Why have I never considered this aspect?"

Long Ying casually asked, "When will His Majesty arrive?"

Long Ying could not help but tease her, saying: "Are you no longer afraid of me, Ren Ya?"

Wu Zetian, seeing his willingness to learn humbly, said with pleasure: "Because you do not even deign to take a glance."

As a representation of the imperial elegance and literary charm, the Imperial Study is decorated in a manner distinctly different from the other opulently adorned buildings of the Shangyang Palace, featuring a subtle color palette. The expansive gray brick walls, the black glazed tiles with green edges on the roof, the azure green paintings under the eaves, and the green columns create a serene and tranquil environment. The windows are composed of black, white, and green, further enhancing this atmosphere of peace.

Wu Zetian's voice came back saying: "You do not need to look for him, he will come to find you"

When! When! When!

The door closed behind him as he approached with a sense of having visited. He walked around the screen, and before him lay a vast hall structured like a palace, with three wide sections and five deep chambers. On either side, there were four windows, and the beams and ceiling were entirely made of nanmu wood, retaining the natural color of the hardwood without any embellishment, exuding an ancient and elegant charm

In the center of the study, there is a dragon throne for Empress Wu, in front of which is a large redwood table, on which the Four Treasures of the Study are placed, clearly indicating that it is a facility for her to review documents. On both sides, there are bookshelves and hanging scrolls, with octagonal palace lanterns suspended from the beams and columns, yet it does not display antiques like a living room, but rather maintains a simple and profound atmosphere

***

For the first time, Long Ying felt a deep sense of pity and sympathy for the palace maids within the palace walls. By the whims of fate, they were brought into the palace, losing their autonomy and freedom, their destinies manipulated by others, subject to beatings and scoldings, becoming victims under the imperial power. They lived a life in the inner palace characterized by the lines: "In the deep and quiet palace, the flowers bloom silently, the fine grass grows green along the imperial path; I alone see the colorful clouds that never cease to fly, only to await the dragon's countenance."

Ren Ya cast a glance at him, her already radiant and snow-white face blushing a second time, unable to bear the shyness as she lowered her head. This made Long Ying focus his attention on her hair bun for the first time, which was dark and shiny, causing his heart to race. Alas! What is wrong with me? Why does her allure surpass that of the eight beauties of Liqi Pavilion combined by a hundred times?

Ren Ya triggered a certain secret place deep within his heart

Long Ying contemplated that it was precisely because Wu Zhao's vision transcended the demonic gates that she was able to govern the country in an orderly manner. This indicates that her master must be an extraordinary individual. He remarked, "The Emperor's mood seems to have improved significantly"

Wu Zetian changed the topic: "I have heard that you are very fond of reading, with a wide range of interests. The collection in the imperial study consists entirely of classic works that have stood the test of time, many of which are unique editions. You may browse through them at your leisure"

Seeing him so nervous, in contrast to yesterday's relaxed demeanor, Long Ying felt a mischievous impulse and asked, "Does Your Excellency know what I am doing in the Imperial Study?"

The main door opened and closed again, and Wu Zhao entered like a gust of wind, her jade-like complexion darkened, her phoenix eyes filled with menace. She approached Long Ying, who was still seated, her gaze first landing on Long Ying's face, then glancing at Ren Ya, and finally moving to the scroll where he had written a page and a half. Her expression softened slightly, then she showed a look of surprise and said: "Mr. Long's handwriting is very distinctive, with a strong character and an unrestrained spirit, like a celestial steed galloping across the sky. Please continue writing, without minding me."

Wu Zetian nonchalantly said: "It was not I who killed him, but you who killed him"

Long Ying has always been curious, eager to learn about new things, and did not miss the opportunity to visit the private study of the current Empress. He browsed casually and found that several bookshelves contained not the classics of Confucius and Mencius or the rites and music of Confucianism, but rather books on court laws and sacrificial rites, which immediately dampened his interest. However, one particular shelf contained some different volumes, including "Biographies of Exemplary Women," "Principles of Officials," "New Precepts for Bureaucrats," "Book of Music," "Correct Norms of Shaoyang," "Records of Surnames," "Twelve Suggestions for Governance," and "Foundations of the People’s Livelihood." What caught his attention was that each book bore the inscription "Compiled by Wu Zetian." He thought to himself that although the authors might be different individuals, it still demonstrated Wu Zetian's remarkable talent and broad vision.

Lord Rong bowed and said: "Please, Master Eagle, take your leave!"

In fact, Long Ying was experiencing a tremendous upheaval within, realizing that her arrangement for someone to serve her was far from simple. Up to this moment, in this non-violent 'decisive battle' with Wu Zhao, he remained in a passive position, at a disadvantage.

He elegantly commanded, "Step back!"

The Shangyang Palace covers an extensive area, approximately one-sixth the size of the palace city. The Immortal Residence, where the dragon eagle awakens from the dragon bed, is located to the north of the main hall, the Wind Viewing Hall. To the south lies the Transformation City Courtyard, and to the southwest of the courtyard are the Sweet Dew Hall and the Twin Suns Pavilion. Further west are the Linzhi Hall, the Divine Like Pavilion, and the Xuan Cave Hall. To the west of the main hall are the Ben Branch Courtyard, the Beautiful Spring Courtyard, the Hibiscus Pavilion, and the Suitable Male Pavilion among other structures.

Ling Yu handed the dragon eagle to the anxious and impatient Duke Rong waiting at the dock, while he hurried back to the assassination scene. Duke Rong quickly took the dragon eagle to the imperial study to begin work. The imperial study was heavily guarded, as it was a crucial place for Wu Zhao to review memorials, concerning state secrets. Without an imperial decree, no one could step foot inside.

That would be a disaster for the Imperial Study.

Long Ying felt a tingling sensation on his scalp; this situation was precisely the result of Wu Zetian's carefully orchestrated scheme of using others to eliminate her enemies. She was truly formidable

Wu Zetian smiled and said: "This is a common ailment among those of the Demon Sect, believing that the words of Confucianism are merely the ramblings of the unwell. They do not understand that, in terms of governing a country, the rites and music of Confucianism are indeed the most astute political strategies of a sovereign. The core principle is to distinguish between ranks and statuses. By strictly adhering to the distinctions of names and roles, the hierarchies of high and low, rich and poor, noble and base are maintained without transgression. The rites and music, through the form of law, not only solidify the hierarchical system of the state politically but also culturally and morally, instilling awe in the hearts of the people, thereby achieving the fundamental purpose of consolidating the state and imperial authority."

Wu Zetian displayed a hint of bitterness in her expression and said, "If I could simply behead him, I would have done so long ago. I absolutely cannot kill him, nor can I let anyone know that I have killed him"

She shyly lowered her gaze, not daring to answer him, perhaps unsure of how to respond. The rosy hues of the sunset painted her beautifully slender neck, and he was certain that it was the most enchanting color he had ever seen.

At this moment, she was dressed in a dragon robe and wore an imperial crown, standing before him with her hands clasped behind her back. Her commanding presence, as if ruling over the world, instilled in him, who was unaware of the vastness of the heavens and the earth, an overwhelming sense of pressure that made it difficult for him to breathe.