Chapter 6, Lotus Heart

I nodded

I heard a soft sigh and quickly turned my head, only to find it was him. The husband I had only met once, Li Yu

Perhaps Prince Li Mao of Shou understood very well that as a physically healthy emperor, Xuanzong could allow any concubine in the harem to bear children. In a harem with many offspring, the status of a child is determined by the mother's favor; a favored mother ensures that her son will be cherished by the emperor. During the years when his mother was favored, he witnessed his other siblings being denied an audience for years, and some even faced punishment and exile for minor offenses. Therefore, when he received the signal that his father desired Yuhuan, he was even more aware of what he should do.

"Mud nurtures the deep bitterness of the mother, the Saha world is fundamentally rooted in this. One day, the fragrant lotus emerges from the mundane, receiving the benevolent light above and repaying kindness below." I took a cup, slowly poured a glass of water, and placed it in front of him. "Lotus heart, though bitter, is non-toxic. The 'Shennong Bencao Jing' states that lotus seeds are of the highest quality, with a sweet and astringent taste, neutral nature, entering the heart, spleen, and kidneys, treating restlessness, confusion, palpitations, and insomnia."

As my thoughts reached this point, I could not help but smile bitterly. In the past, when I had nothing to do, I would ponder these matters at home, lamenting for the ancients. Now, being in the midst of it all, I find myself at a loss. I truly wish that yesterday's events could come to an end, for here I feel like a drifting leaf, isolated and helpless. Reflecting on this, I cannot help but feel sorrowful, tears streaming down my face, starting with quiet weeping and eventually breaking into loud cries.

Alas

My heart suddenly lifted, and I could only lower my head in silence

The purple long shirt complemented his fair complexion, making Li Yu appear overly delicate for a man. It was only after careful observation that I realized, although his features bore some resemblance to Peng Yan, the essence of the two was vastly different. Peng Yan was sunny, straightforward, and wise, with a subtle smile that constantly exuded charm. In contrast, Li Yu was more feminine and serene, his calm demeanor seemingly mixed with a hint of indifference, especially in his deep-set eyes, which always left one pondering.

Li Yu followed my suggestion and drank another cup. He looked at me, remaining silent.

I smiled: "This bitterness has its own way of being savored; it should be appreciated slowly. At first, it is bitter upon entry, but as it goes down, there is a hint of sweetness, which indeed leaves an endless aftertaste"

It seemed to stem from instinct; I struggled to break free from his embrace, standing one meter away from him, staring into his eyes, and said slowly and deliberately: "There is no need for anything; ignoring it is truly the best option"

Oh?" He frowned slightly, "Seeking self-inflicted suffering?" Before the words had left his lips, his expression had already darkened.

That gentle and refined face wore a gloomy expression, evoking in me a sense of winter, causing me to shiver involuntarily

In the pavilion, savoring the vegetarian tea brewed with lotus seeds, I gaze at the pool of withered lotus and fallen leaves, surrounded by the desolate and bleak scenery of late autumn. The incident that occurred yesterday with Lingling while we were out in the city, I wonder if it has come to an end, or if there will be lingering repercussions.

Although it is clearly known that this splendid scenery will come to an end in the fifteenth year of the Tianbao era, by then, the smoke and dust of the Ninefold City will rise, and thousands of chariots and horses will head southwest. The prosperous and affluent capital of the Tang Dynasty, Chang'an, will ultimately be ravaged by the iron cavalry of foreign tribes, and the once unassailable Yang family will also perish before the horses due to the inaction of the six armies.

To please the sovereign and present oneself, if one wishes for longevity, one must rely on wisdom and build a series of fortifications around oneself. The favor and power of the Yang family, with its five mansions, constitute this fortification

Regarding her former husband, Prince Shou, Li Mao, I often contemplate that, in addition to wisdom, there should also be forbearance, resilience, and a humble and open-minded disposition

The changes that occur during this period may lead a woman, who was originally noble and pure, to undergo a transformation

That noble consort, no matter how reluctant the emperor was, no matter how he covered his face and wept, would ultimately die in that turmoil at the age of 38, in the prime of her life. Moreover, even after her death, she would not find peace, but would bear the historical blame for instigating the Anshi Rebellion. Indeed, without the favor of the consort, there would be no glory for the Yang family, no downfall of Li Linfu, no position of Prime Minister for Yang Guozhong, and no various illusions surrounding the adopted son An Lushan. How could the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty be overturned overnight?

Li Yu picked up the cup and took a sip. He then drank it all in one go

Looking back at Chang'an, it appears as a pile of embroidery, with a thousand gates opening in succession atop the mountain. A lone rider stirs up the dust, and the concubine smiles, yet no one knows that it is lychee arriving

Li Yu seemed taken aback

In her heart, she often thought of Yang Yuhuan, who was initially chosen as the consort of Li Mao, the Prince of Shou, the most promising candidate for the throne of the Tang Dynasty. Besides her beautiful appearance, she was also expected to be virtuous, chaste, and exceptionally intelligent. However, when she encountered the highest ruler of the Tang Empire, Emperor Xuanzong, everything seemed to change. The father took the son’s wife; even in the open society of the Tang Dynasty, a reason had to be found. Thus, Yuhuan left her husband and secluded herself to pray for her mother-in-law, who was also the second empress of Xuanzong. Years later, she was officially conferred the title of Guifei.

"It is lotus seed heart," I replied. Although I had only seen him once, I knew he was neither the gentle and affectionate male lead from the television drama nor the devoted Peng Yan who had fallen for me at first sight. Beneath his gentle exterior lay a hidden gloom and sharpness; to be precise, he always made me feel somewhat uneasy.

Is it really so

"Have you only forgotten the matters of this garden? But the poetry and literary works have not been forgotten?" Li Yu's gloomy expression actually made me feel somewhat afraid

That is merely an excuse sought by men, allowing countless beautiful women to bear the burden of historical guilt

Li Yu also seemed disinclined to speak, as he walked over and sat down opposite me, looking at my tea. "What are you drinking?" he asked slowly. This person appeared cold and aloof, yet his voice was quite pleasant.

Therefore, I believe that the noble consort Yang Guifei must have been an exceptionally wise woman. I truly wish to see with my own eyes this legendary figure who overshadowed all the beauties of the imperial harem.

At this moment, facing him, I truly found myself at a loss for words.

Is it really true that beauty brings disaster?

The present-day Chang'an is a scene of opulence, reminiscent of a grand banquet filled with intoxication and the extravagance of spring. Beneath the favored consort, siblings and brothers are all ranked as gentlemen. Two cousins hold high official positions, while three elder sisters have been conferred the titles of Marquess of Guo, Marquess of Qin, and Marquess of Han. With five noble households in one family, there is boundless splendor, surpassing even that of royal relatives in their delicacy and arrogance.

His chin rested lightly on my forehead as if to give a gentle kiss, and in a low voice, he asked, "How should I treat you?"

After speaking, I finally ran away, and for some reason, tears began to flow down my face

"Have you really forgotten everything from the past?" Li Yu suddenly interrupted me and asked sharply

I turned around and said: "Yes, just like the days before today, let me fend for myself; I truly do not remember anything from the past!"

However, unexpectedly in the next second, I was suddenly embraced by him. Listening to the thumping of his heartbeat, I was at a loss.

This atmosphere inexplicably makes me nervous, so I try to make conversation: "Although lotus seeds have countless benefits, they are not suitable for everyone. If one has a weak constitution..."

Isn't it so? Once, his mother, Wu Huifei, who hailed from the Wu family of Empress Wu Zetian, gained the exclusive favor of Emperor Xuanzong upon entering the palace. Not only did she cause the empress, who had shared hardships with Xuanzong, to fall from her throne, but she also led to the downfall and execution of Crown Prince Li Ying and two other adult princes who were closely related to him. For over a decade, she enjoyed the respect and support of powerful officials in the court, such as Li Linfu. However, just as she was about to attain the position of empress and her beloved son was about to become the crown prince of the Tang dynasty, she passed away. Although she was posthumously granted the title of empress, her son lost favor at that moment, forever distancing himself from the center of power.