Chapter 8, The Power Consort

Straightening her posture and lightly shifting her red shoes, she thus missed the moment

If Wei looked at her, although she was a few years older, she was only about fifteen or sixteen years old, with a delicate appearance and graceful demeanor, which naturally brought joy to his heart. She smiled and said, "Having changed places, I cannot sleep soundly, so I might as well stay awake. Which palace do you belong to, sister?"

Although Xiangting felt somewhat unclear, a thought flashed through her mind, and she decided to avoid the situation. Thus, she turned and walked out, saying, "I will fetch water for the young lady to wash her face." Before long, when she re-entered the room holding a copper basin, she saw Ruowei approaching her with a pair of gold earrings inlaid with pearls, smiling broadly as she said, "Sister, this is a gift for you as a token of our meeting; please do not think it is too trivial!"

If one smiles without speaking, walks over to tear open the seal, opens a box, then closes it again, and turns to open another one.

His lips pressed against hers, at this moment, words could not be spoken

When Lady Fu was struck by lightning, she stood frozen in place. The maids and eunuchs hurried forward: "We pay our respects to His Highness, the Han Prince!"

As Wei spoke, she walked over, stood on tiptoe, and raised her hand high, intending to personally place it on Xiangting.

She remains silent

The Crown Princess appeared somewhat fatigued today, as if she had not rested well during the night, with her eyes slightly darkened. If Wei Xiao was careful, she would take everything in without revealing her thoughts, still smiling cheerfully as she paid her respects and performed her courtesies

On the morning following her entry into the palace, if Wei woke up early, she would find herself in the same room with Ziyan every night since leaving home. Now that Ziyan had been sent to the palace of Consort Wang to learn the palace rules, she truly felt somewhat unaccustomed to it.

The harmonious interplay of the flute and xiao is poignant and lingering, akin to weeping and lamenting, flowing gently into the ears. The timbre is rich and sweet, and the melody is captivating, truly a perfect match. Is this what is known as a kindred spirit? It feels as if a spring breeze has rippled through a tranquil pond, leaving the shadow of that spirit in my heart, an indelible presence that stirs waves of emotion time and again. Yet now I realize, it was merely a dream, a dream that leaves no trace upon awakening. Is this what is known as a kindred spirit? It feels as if a spring breeze has rippled through a tranquil pond, leaving the shadow of that spirit in my heart, an indelible presence that stirs waves of emotion time and again. Yet now I realize, it was merely a dream, a dream that leaves no trace upon awakening

The eaves first hang a crescent moon, its solitary light not yet full, already worrying about its deficiency; from afar, I recognize the jade curtain hook, where the heavenly grandson combs his hair in the tower

Han Wang? Fu Ji was clearly taken aback

Oh? Ruo Wei clapped her hands, her face filled with joy: "Really, that would be wonderful. However, Ruo Wei has been mischievous since childhood, and I fear that I may often act inappropriately upon entering the palace. In the future, I hope Sister Xiang Ting will guide me and take care of me in every way possible!"

"What the young lady said is too much for me to bear!" Although Xiang Ting saw that she was young, her words were clear and articulate, each one like a pearl. Moreover, she was beautiful and charming, which evoked a sense of closeness. She then said, "Since the Crown Princess has sent me to the young lady, it is only natural that I prioritize the young lady in all matters and ensure her needs are met"

Turning away, she quietly awaited his approach step by step

She smiled and nodded slightly, then raised her eyes to survey the room. To her astonishment, she discovered that the two large boxes she had brought from home were now sitting right under the window.

Ah? Ruo Wei was startled and said, "What should I do? If my stomach growls while I am accompanying the princess to read, how will that be? The princess will surely hold me accountable for a breach of decorum, and I might be dismissed..." As she spoke, she covered her mouth in fear, her eyes looking pleadingly at the Crown Princess.

Changing into the garments prepared in the palace, arranging her hair neatly, applying a light touch of makeup, and having a bit of congee, Ruo Wei followed closely behind Xiang Ting and arrived at the Crown Princess's sleeping quarters

Princess Zhang Yan was so amused by her that she could not help but laugh, and even the maids and eunuchs in the palace burst into laughter.

At that moment, I felt almost a slight suffocation, unable to meet his gaze directly

The Crown Princess Zhang Yan waved her hand, and Ruo Wei walked to her side. She pulled Ruo Wei into her embrace, examining her closely with a face full of affection: "You, seemingly clever, yet inherently simple. Princess Xian Ning is the most favored princess of His Majesty, not only excelling in literary and artistic talents but also proficient in horseback riding and archery. Your assignment to accompany the princess in her studies is merely to alleviate her boredom. The more you treat her with genuine sincerity, the more she will come to like you. If you constantly restrain yourself, being cautious and timid, I fear that within two days, the princess will send you back!"

On the morning of the second day, when Fu Ji awoke from her dreams, apart from the lingering scent of the dragon incense and the scattered tassels on the bed that recorded everything from the previous night, he had long since departed. The eunuchs and palace maids kneeling in the hall subsequently presented the emperor's rewards, and honors and grace followed in quick succession. Thus, the entire city of Ying Tian was abuzz with the news that the recently conferred Korean consort, Quan, had become the new favorite of the iron-faced emperor. The momentum was such that no one could rival it.

She remained silent

She finally understood why he appeared in Dengzhou that day, why he was among the welcoming party for the Korean envoys and the numerous noble ladies. It turned out that he was the Han Wang, who had been granted a fief in the area. Thus, all his attentions and kindness on that day were merely duties he performed on behalf of his father, Zhu Di.

"Return to the Empress Mother, it is indeed Gao Xu!" He was dressed in the formal attire of a prince, there could be no mistake.

If I slightly withdrew my smile, my eyes would be slightly moist: "Sister, you are truly a kind-hearted person. Although my family is a scholarly household, a prominent family, our ancestors and parents have always been frugal scholars, not a wealthy and prosperous family. Even so, my family, feeling pity for my young age as I enter the palace alone, has still tried their best to prepare the necessary silver and items for me. I also know that these things are likely to be a one-way expenditure, difficult to manage. However, rather than spending effort on those unrelated people, it is better to treat it as a token and give it to someone I like. These earrings were worn by my mother on her wedding day. I will give them to you, sister, so that you can see them every day, which will also comfort my longing for my family. Please accept them, sister!"

The girl covered her face and smiled: "Such a title is too much for me to bear, I am merely Xiang Ting, serving at the side of the Crown Princess. I have come here at the behest of the Crown Princess to attend to you!"

Seeing her smile gently, the Crown Princess Zhang Yan felt a bit relieved: "Has Wei had breakfast yet?"

He reached out and gently caressed her cheek, causing a shiver to run through Fuzhi's body

"Returning to the Empress, I have finished!" Ruo Wei gently patted her belly and said, "The pastries in the palace are truly exquisite; they are so beautiful that one is reluctant to eat them. Therefore, I drank two bowls of porridge and am now so full that I can hardly move!"

He gently pulled her, and she fell heavily onto the couch. He leaned over her, breathing heavily, while Fu Ji felt slightly embarrassed and finally turned her head away. "I heard that after leaving Korea, you once attempted to drown yourself at sea?" he asked

In the hibiscus tent, the spring night is spent, it is the time when blessings are newly bestowed

Xiangting was quite surprised, but seeing her with a smiling face, so sincere and with such innocent eyes, she set aside her reservations and sincerely advised: "Young lady, as you have just entered the forbidden palace, you will likely have to interact with various palaces in the future, managing social engagements. Although this is our first meeting, Xiangting treats you with genuine sincerity, so let's skip this formality!"

The newly conferred Xianfei, Fu Ji, sat quietly in front of the mirror table, allowing a group of maidservants to dress her in a nightgown as thin as a butterfly's wings, light as ice silk, hazy as a dream, elegant yet concealing allure. Worn on her body, it subtly revealed the water-red bustier underneath, exuding an irresistible charm and grace, making it one of the most enchanting adornments throughout history. What does it mean to "half conceal the face with a pipa"? What does it mean for "a branch of red apricot to extend beyond the wall"? What does it mean that "only when the color fades does one realize the flower is even more vibrant"? Now, she fully understands.

"Are you really so unwilling to enter my harem?" His tone carried a hint of jest.

Xiangting seemed to understand, pointing at the box and saying: "Miss, this was sent by Master Huang's people, and the seal on it has not yet been removed. Please check it, Miss."

Ah! Look at her innocence, Zhang Yan couldn't help but smile: "This child has only had porridge, and in no time she will be hungry. Today, she also has to go to Chengqutang to accompany Princess Xian Ning for her studies, so I fear lunch will be delayed!"

Xiang Ting still wanted to refuse, but upon seeing her so sincere, her heart warmed involuntarily. She slightly bent her knee and allowed Ruo Wei to assist her in putting it on properly.

She felt a moment of unbearable bitterness in her heart, and could not help but recall that day when she was far away from her homeland, Korea. Tears of resentment fell lightly as she struggled to calm her emotions in the night at the residence. Alone, she played the flute to ease her troubled mind, and from a distance, someone harmonized with her on the bamboo flute. Although the candlelight was dim, she could clearly see that handsome figure deeply etched in her memory.

"Yes!" Xiang Ting replied respectfully

Oh! If Ruowei blinked her eyes: "Thank you, Your Highness, for your guidance. I have always thought that a princess, being of noble birth, must be quite willful. Thinking about meeting the princess today, I couldn't sleep a wink last night, and my heart is still racing now!"

Very well, shall we still indulge in foolish fantasies

He gently turned her shoulder, supporting her chin with his hand, compelling her to meet his gaze. He had a striking appearance, with a beautiful beard, strong and sharply defined features, eyes filled with sharpness and wisdom, and a subtle yet elegant smile playing at the corners of his mouth, all of which exuded the charm and charisma of a mature man

He bowed with a gesture and said: "I pay my respects to Mother Empress!"

To pay a visit to the Guifei in the Rouryi Palace, the various palace concubines gathered for the first time. The formalities were exchanged back and forth, and for a moment, it was somewhat overwhelming. In the midst of the interactions, it was truly dull. After enduring until Wang Guifei grew weary, the other concubines dispersed, and she also led her personal maid out of the Rouryi Palace. They walked slowly in the garden, seemingly by chance, yet as if it were destined, she encountered him once again

Miss! A beautiful palace maid with delicate features walked into the room: "Miss, are you not going to sleep a little longer?"

A head of jet-black hair cascades casually behind her, with a touch of rouge and lightly drawn eyebrows. With everything thus prepared, when that flash of bright yellow appears in the hall, everyone quietly withdraws.

The Crown Princess held her hand and gently patted it, saying, "What a child indeed," and then turned to instruct Xiang Ting, "Take Ruo Wei to the City Qu Hall"