Chapter 2, The Beginning of Change in Weather

However, such well-maintained women are not uncommon. The reason why Shangguan Wan'er is Shangguan Wan'er lies in her cleverness and versatility, as well as her talent for eloquence and the ability to write thousands of words with ease

Only when the originally icy skin gradually turned rosy and warm did the two stop their actions and apply sesame oil evenly. Finally, a palace servant changed her into a set of dry clothes, gently tying her scattered hair with a silk ribbon. Then, they brought hot water to soak her feet and vigorously rubbed them with their hands. Once her frozen feet became warm, another palace servant bent down to put on a pair of leather clogs for her and handed her a bowl of steaming ginger soup

Upon hearing the mocking voice, Ling Bo immediately looked up and saw a familiar middle-aged team leader. He then cheerfully took out a pre-prepared oil paper package and a wine gourd from his saddlebag. This was all part of the usual routine. The team leader took them and discreetly let a small handful of copper coins slip into his sleeve, then turned to beckon a few soldiers. A large group of people immediately burst into laughter, with some jokingly shouting, "The county lord is considerate as always, never forgetting everyone's hard work!" This was all part of the usual routine. The team leader took them and discreetly let a small handful of copper coins slip into his sleeve, then turned to beckon a few soldiers. A large group of people immediately burst into laughter, with some jokingly shouting, "The county lord is considerate as always, never forgetting everyone's hard work!"

After a light-hearted conversation, she noticed that a dozen or so guards had begun discussing how to enjoy this late-night meal. She handed her horse over to a young eunuch who was leading the horses, and inevitably gave him a small handful of coins. Looking up at the snow-laden night sky, she sighed resignedly, tightened her cloak, and hurried on her way

Although Ling Bo had heard others mention these matters a few times, she had not had much personal experience with them. At this moment, she had no way to engage in the conversation and could only sit there with her hands propping up her chin

It is quite late now; if you leave the palace in the future, please return early

Of course, on such a cold night, everyone still has to stand guard; how can we manage without filling our stomachs

Having been treated in such a manner, Ling Bo naturally felt warm both inside and out. Once she regained her composure, she shrugged and said: "What else is there to say? It's merely idle chatter about whether or not to abolish the Crown Prince. This has been going on for several days, yet no conclusion has been reached! Auntie Shangguan, I just passed by the Yingxian Palace and noticed that the defenses inside and out are extremely tight. In fact, as long as the Yulin Army remains inactive, there will be no chaos. Moreover, among those currently in charge of the Yulin, there is Li Zhan, the son of Li Yifu."

The distance between the Chang Le Gate and the Xian Ju Hall she was heading to was considerable. Regardless of whether one was a noble or a royal, upon entering the palace, they were required to dismount and complete this lengthy journey on foot, and she was no exception. Under normal circumstances, this would be acceptable, merely serving as a form of physical exercise. However, on a day filled with wind and snow, when she finally arrived at the Ying Xian Gate, she was nearly frozen stiff.

In the Tai Chu Palace, the only one with the surname Shangguan who has been responsible for drafting edicts over the years is Shangguan Wan'er. At this moment, she furrowed her brows in contemplation, then lightly smiled and said: "Even if the heavens truly change, it is merely for the sake of one's own survival. First, there was the calamity of the cruel officials, and then, fortunately, the old man of the Di state supported the return of the Prince of Luling to reinstate him as the crown prince. In the end, was it not still a time of great anxiety? Li Yifu has been dead for so many years; who can guarantee that his son will be absolutely loyal? The emperor is already old; if it were not for her indulgence, how could the Zhang brothers be so arrogant?"

Liang Wang Wu Sansi is indeed not a stranger to Ling Bo. If the Empress is the main pillar of the Wu family, then Wu Sansi is the first leader of the Wu family. He is also the cousin of Ling Bo's deceased father, which means that, in terms of kinship, Ling Bo should address him as 'uncle.' Even setting aside this familial relationship, Ling Bo has often encountered the two of them engaging in mischief during her visits to the Immortal Residence.

As soon as these words were spoken, Ling Bo immediately stood up, not yet having thought of an excuse to slip away, but was caught by Shangguan Wan'er, who said: "You are not an outsider, so why avoid suspicion! Quickly, invite him in."

County Lord, your return today is quite timely

Ling Bo drank the ginger soup in large gulps. Before long, the tall woman who had just lifted the curtain entered, dismissed the palace maids, and sat down beside her

"Wan'er, something terrible has happened! I just received news that Zhang Jianzhong and his group have incited the Yulin Army and are about to stage a coup! They not only intend to kill the Zhang brothers, but they also claim they will annihilate all members of the Wu family and restore the Li Tang dynasty! My aunt is gravely ill, on the brink of death, and those two ungrateful brats from the Zhang family have turned against us without a second thought. Even if I go to warn them, it would be futile. Wan'er, you must help me think of a solution!" My aunt is gravely ill, on the brink of death, and those two ungrateful brats from the Zhang family have turned against us without a second thought. Even if I go to warn them, it would be futile. Wan'er, you must help me think of a solution!

Although she was merely passing by the Yingxian Palace, she could not escape being questioned. These guards, all members of the Yulin Army, were not as amiable as those from the Changlem Gate; each of them wore a haughty expression and was meticulous, repeatedly examining her waist token.

Although the lighting was poor, Ling Bo could still clearly see that despite being somewhat thin, Shangguan Wan'er remained stunning under the lights. At forty, a woman is typically considered no longer young; however, the passage of time seemed to have paused for Shangguan Wan'er. Her forehead was still smooth, her dark hair still shone brightly, her figure remained graceful, and her voice was still sweet. At forty, a woman is typically considered no longer young; however, the passage of time seemed to have paused for Shangguan Wan'er. Her forehead was still smooth, her dark hair still shone brightly, her figure remained graceful, and her voice was still sweet

The tall woman held the purplish-red wine gourd in her hand and said with a smile, "The other wines at the Qin family tavern are quite ordinary, but the osmanthus thick wine is smooth and soothing to the throat, with a long-lasting potency, making it truly exceptional. Even the imperial brew cannot compare to its rich aroma. Fortunately, you always remember to bring it back. So, what rumors are circulating outside today?"

The first time she saw it, she felt a sense of shock and disbelief, but after seeing it repeatedly, she had already become accustomed to it. Shangguan Wan'er was already forty years old and still unmarried; what was the big deal about finding a lover?

Four oil lamps are lit indoors, but perhaps due to the dwindling oil in the lamps, the room appears unusually dim. The main door is securely closed, and there is no wind in the room. The four flames emit a steady, faint glow, yet they lack a certain vitality and exhibit a degree of dullness.

A tall woman scolded and complained for a while, and several palace attendants hurriedly stepped forward to escort Lingbo into the inner chamber

Ah, you have finally arrived! On a snowy day like this, you didn't even think to bring an oiled paper umbrella. Look at you, your black satin back is completely soaked, and your shoes too! Someone, why are you all just standing there? Hurry up and get the person inside, quickly change their clothes and take off their shoes!

If the Taichu Palace is the center of the divine capital Luoyang, then the Yingxian Palace is the core of the Taichu Palace. The Yingxian Palace, also known as the Jixian Hall, is flanked by four dragon-patterned golden pillars that are too large for a single person to encircle. With red walls and yellow tiles, flying eaves and upturned corners, intricately carved beams and painted rafters, and flower-patterned windows, no extravagant words can adequately describe the opulent and lavish scene. This is the empress's sleeping quarters.

Upon hearing the sudden news, the two women in the room were momentarily stunned

Suddenly, a series of thudding footsteps interrupted Shangguan Wan'er’s contemplation, as well as Ling Bo’s daydreaming. Before Shangguan Wan'er could utter a reprimand, a palace servant rushed in, panic-stricken, exclaiming: "The Prince of Liang... the Prince of Liang has arrived!"

Ling Bo nodded slightly. Seeing those guards stride away, she finally let out a sigh of relief. It seems that if it weren't for the strong backing of her waist token, she would have had a much harder time getting through this ordeal today. Although she is still a county princess, in this day and age, no noble family holds much value, let alone her, a mere orphan.

These are all seasoned attendants, and there is no need for Lingbo to lift a finger. Someone has already used a dry cloth to dry her hair, and then two people brought in steaming soft towels to help her remove her clothes, after which they began to wipe her entire body.

Luoyang is now the capital of the Great Zhou, and the curfew system is enforced exceptionally strictly. Not only do all businesses close their doors after the curfew, but even the Taichu Palace will lock its doors.

The snow in the sky fell heavier and heavier, and gradually there was a layer of snow accumulating on the ground, crunching underfoot. When she stepped out, the weather was still pleasant, and she had not prepared her wooden clogs. At this moment, the snowmelt had already seeped into her deerskin boots, making her feet feel increasingly cold and piercing. After much effort, she finally arrived at the Immortal Residence Hall. As soon as she entered, a warm current rushed towards her, and she couldn't help but let out a comfortable moan.

At six hundred, the sound of the closed-door drum signifies the beginning of the late-night curfew. Therefore, Ling Bo hurriedly made her way through Tianjin Bridge and Zuo Ye Gate, finally rushing into Taichu Palace at the last moment. The journey was already tight on time, and she encountered a thrilling incident along the way, causing her to feel dizzy as she dismounted, her legs trembling weakly.

However, this time, Wu Sansi, who arrived overnight, no longer wore the usual expression of self-satisfaction; instead, he displayed an indescribable sense of panic. He even disregarded the presence of Ling Bo, who was still in the room, and hurriedly rushed to the front of Shangguan Wan'er.