Chapter 2, The Eternal Flow of Time

In their generation, there were not many siblings, and during their childhood, they played together very well. She and her second elder brother were born of the same mother. After the passing of Consort Xu, she was recorded under the name of the Empress Dowager and had been with her elder brother since the age of six. Among the princes of the imperial family, there exists both open and covert rivalry, yet for her, a little sister who posed no threat, they were all very protective. Now that her elder brother is ill, she cannot visit him; the two palace walls between them make no difference compared to being separated by the entire Forbidden City. Among the princes of the imperial family, there exists both open and covert rivalry, yet for her, a little sister who posed no threat, they were all very protective. Now that her elder brother is ill, she cannot visit him; the two palace walls between them make no difference compared to being separated by the entire Forbidden City.

Mother Zhang inquired in detail about the situation, and after listening for a long time without speaking, she handed the tray to Xiao You and said: "Are you inviting someone for refreshments tomorrow? Is it at Kun Ning Palace? I heard that tomorrow is the day when Lady Zhao will meet with her family, so why would there be outsiders present?"

In fact, I have always been unwilling to get involved with those concubines. The women in the palace are accustomed to scheming against one another; most of the time, a glance or a gesture is purposeful. Empress Zhao lacks the magnanimity of Empress Tuoba from the past, as well as the kindness of Empress Kede. She is the most common type of person in this world, mediocre, yet vengeful to the smallest slight

Mother Zhang carried a white jade tray, neatly arranged with sugar cakes in the center, and elegantly adorned it with two begonia flowers. Upon seeing her, she would ask the same questions every day: "Your Highness, was everything well at the Cining Palace today? Did you encounter anything fun?"

Once the guests had dispersed, the Empress Dowager inquired about the Emperor's illness. The Empress replied softly, "His spirits fluctuate; sometimes he seems well, and at other times he appears lethargic and is not very talkative. Yesterday, I had someone set up a couch in the garden, taking advantage of the pleasant spring weather and the mild temperature, hoping to invite His Majesty to enjoy the flowers and bask in the sun. However, he was unwilling to go." After a deep sigh, she continued, "What can be done? I am anxious, yet there is nothing I can do. After much thought, I believe it would be wise to ask the Noble Consort to take some time and persuade the Emperor."

Wanwan and Xiaoyou stared at each other with wide eyes, "Is it fun? No..."

Since the Emperor fell ill, the Empress Dowager has been particularly averse to women entering the Qianqing Palace. According to her, the Qianqing Palace is a place of great power, and the presence of women, who are associated with yin energy, frequently entering and exiting would suppress the yang energy, potentially even jeopardizing the fortunes of the nation. The Empress, as the mother of the nation, may be excused for her occasional concern for the Emperor's health, but what about the Noble Consort? How dare she disregard the Empress Dowager's decree?

Xiao You took advantage of the absence of Aunt Li and kicked him on the calf: "Who has tied your mouth? Can't you speak your mind openly?"

Wanwan fell silent, a person like her may have been overlooked since childhood, but as she grew older, she became a coveted figure. Especially in the Great Ye dynasty, in her generation, she was the only imperial princess, and gradually, various factions would start to take notice, a realization she came to after her intellect matured. ... She just didn't expect that Empress Zhao would start plotting so soon ... . ... Suddenly, she tasted a hint of desolation; in this harem, many could take her place as the master. Looking at a life piled high with gold and jade, it was actually nothing more than this. She just didn't expect that Empress Zhao would start plotting so soon ... . ... Suddenly, she tasted a hint of desolation; in this harem, many could take her place as the master. Looking at a life piled high with gold and jade, it was actually nothing more than this

Wanwan understood everything in her heart, but she had no choice but to show her respect. She took a step forward and asked, "Is there something you wish to convey, Sister-in-law the Empress?"

However, the person has no ill intentions, and it would not be appropriate to turn them away with a cold shoulder. She ambiguously agreed, saying, "I am just afraid of causing trouble for my sister-in-law..."

The queen sat on the palanquin, feeling content as she departed. Wanwan was unable to comprehend the reasons behind it and returned to the Yude Palace in a state of confusion.

The women in the palace excel at this; they can speak without raising their voices or showing any harshness, wearing a smile on their faces. What seems like an ordinary remark can be enough to take a person's life.

Wanwan involuntarily raised her eyes to look at Concubine Shao, noticing that she shifted uneasily in her seat, her face flushed bright red

Wǔ qī lùchū bù chū suǒ liào de biǎoqíng lái, "Wǒ jiù shuōle, rénjiā rào le zhème dà de quānzi, qíshí dào zánmen zhǔzǐ zhè'er quán bù língyàn, bái fèile nàme dà jìn'er le"

Wanwan did not understand her intentions, yet she still answered earnestly, "I will turn fourteen in June"

However, some people say that such matters are very pleasing for most young ladies. Xiao You clapped her hands and said, "I was just talking about this yesterday, and today good fortune has come knocking at the door!"

In the presence of the Empress Dowager, only the Empress and two concubines could engage in conversation: one was Concubine Shao, and the other was Concubine Zheng. Wanwan did not have a deep understanding of these three ladies, as people in the palace rarely opened their hearts to one another; they typically exchanged only a nod and then forgot each other. It was known that Empress Zhao and Concubine Shao were like fire and water, with Concubine Shao having given birth to Prince Rong, while the Empress had no children. Thus, the Empress, despite her lofty position, was fundamentally inferior to Concubine Shao in terms of practical benefits. As for Concubine Zheng, her clever eyes revealed her astuteness; although her appearance was not particularly outstanding, she was adept at flattery and knew how to navigate social situations, reportedly enjoying great popularity in the palace.

This long princess, silent and composed, sometimes displays a bit of quick wit. The queen gently brushed the bat cloud pattern on her horse-faced skirt and turned to examine her—she wore a parrot green front-opening jacket, her hair styled in two buns, adorned with a pair of small hairpins shaped like water chestnut leaves and golden frogs. Her good upbringing formed the foundation, while her personal character added substance; in addition to her stunningly beautiful appearance, there was an air of nobility that belied her age, deeply ingrained in her very being. However, she was still too young, her face retaining a childlike innocence, yet she harbored no ill intentions, which made her eyes and brows appear open and sincere. Her good upbringing formed the foundation, while her personal character added substance; in addition to her stunningly beautiful appearance, there was an air of nobility that belied her age, deeply ingrained in her very being. However, she was still too young, her face retaining a childlike innocence, yet she harbored no ill intentions, which made her eyes and brows appear open and sincere.

Xiao You tugged at her arm and said, "Your Highness, please go back. Mama Zhang said she would make us sweet dumplings and tea snacks."

The queen's smile grew ever warmer, "What is this talk? Those small-minded people still gather often, yet our kind of family is so unapproachable. You have me in your eyes, and I can hardly contain my joy; how could I possibly resent you? Then it is settled; the day after tomorrow, I will sweep the courtyard in anticipation, awaiting the esteemed arrival of Her Highness the Grand Princess"

At this moment, Xiao You was taken aback. Unlike the eunuchs, the palace maids could go to any corner of the Forbidden City. They entered the palace at around ten years old, and wherever they were assigned, they would remain for a lifetime. Except for a few who had the opportunity to accompany their masters, the rest had to stay within their designated area, lacking the chance to see the world, and would never understand the art of women speaking indirectly.

Kneeling and greeting each have their own protocols, and then they are arranged on both sides according to their ranks. If the Empress Dowager has a question, you may respond accordingly; if there are no further instructions, you may remain for the duration of a tea ceremony and then take your leave.

The Empress Dowager remained silent, while the Empress looked at Consort Shao with a smile that was not quite a smile. Initially, Consort Shao felt somewhat anxious, but gradually she calmed down and lowered her eyes, saying: "Your Highness, the Empress, I do not know where this remark comes from. If we are to speak of worrying about the Emperor's illness, who in the palace does not worry? Anyone who does not should be punished! The Emperor has always loved the pastries made in my small kitchen, and I indeed often had them prepared and personally delivered to the Qianqing Gate. However, each time they were handed over to Grand Companion Cao and that was the end of it; I never even got to see the Emperor, let alone persuade him. Your Highness's jest has led the Empress Dowager to believe it to be true; that is not just a trap for me, but a trap for the Empress Dowager as well."

However, Wanwan found it quite unhelpful when she was called in such a casual manner. She was not accustomed to others feigning intimacy, so she subtly withdrew her hand and smiled, saying: "Sister-in-law, you are in the prime of your life, why are you feeling so melancholic? Why do you ask me about my age? Are you planning to celebrate my birthday?"

She did not come to greet, and Empress Zhao did not take offense. She stepped forward and looked at her with a pleasant expression, "How old is Your Highness the Princess this year?"

The sudden heartfelt expression surprised Wanwan greatly. The Empress had been married to her elder brother for about ten years, and when her elder brother was a prince, she often entered the palace to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager, yet he was never particularly warm towards her. Later, when her elder brother became the Emperor and Consort Zhao took charge of the inner palace, their relationship remained rather indifferent, with little interaction. Today, for some unknown reason, he was so attentive, which truly left one perplexed.

It is likely that they are coaxing His Highness to go and meet someone! It is still wise to act decisively, as I say we cannot go. Who is our master? She is not just an ordinary girl from a common family, how can we just send her to Kun Ning Palace? Even if there is a need to meet, it should be a selection of potential princes, allowing our master to choose.

Everyone let out a sigh of relief. When Consort Shao heard people praising her son, she naturally felt pleased. The Empress had been sent back to her mother's house by Consort Shao and was worried about how to find a way out of her predicament. However, bringing the child out temporarily alleviated her troubles, and both sides found peace.

The palace maid of Shangyi had long been waiting, changing her into a spring robe, removing her jewelry, and loosening her hair to gather it at the back of her head. She took a book and sat by the window to read, but after only two pages, she could no longer sit still. She turned the book upside down on the table and got up to go to the corridor to feed the goldfish.

Concubine Shao is not an easy opponent, and both sides are at a stalemate, seemingly unable to back down. Wanwan still spoke in a gentle tone, slowly saying: "A couple of days ago, I encountered Yan Nian in the garden; he was leaning by the pond, watching the ducklings swim. Recently, he has taken on a master, and since then, I haven't seen him much. He has made considerable progress and no longer speaks like a five-year-old child. I was thinking, why not let Yan Nian go before the Emperor? What others say ten times cannot compare to what Yan Nian says once, which is what the Empress Dowager means, right?"

The eunuch attendant beside him let out a sneer and said, "We have encountered something amusing; it is just uncertain whether our master has taken it to heart."

After being kicked by the flying leg, Wu Qi felt unfortunate and stepped aside, saying: "It's a pity you are a girl; how could you not know this? Asking about age out of the blue, if it weren't for casual conversation, it would be a proposal. Who is Lady Zhao?" Pausing to look around, he lowered his voice and said, "The kind of person who would lick a salt-alkali field, how rough it is! Usually, she doesn't seem close to our master, but today with her silver tongue, she is both getting familiar and inviting us for snacks; she must have ulterior motives."

Wanwan came out with them, intending to ask the Empress Dowager to allow her to visit the Emperor, but she could not bring herself to say it due to the unexpected incident that had just occurred. Xiao You supported her as they walked through the corridor; Cining Palace was not far from Qianqing Palace, and one could see it as soon as they exited Longzong Gate. However, without permission, they still dared not to visit recklessly

The queen sighed softly, "Fourteen is a wonderful age, just like a blossoming flower. Now, when I think back to my youth, I cannot help but lament how time is relentless." As she spoke, she took the princess's hand—such a noble hand, delicate with slender fingers, resembling red plums and white snow, so fine that the veins beneath the skin were faintly visible.

The queen smiled gently and said, "What the princess said is true; the emperor's affection for Prince Rong is unmatched by anyone else's." She then addressed the empress dowager, saying, "I heard from the nurse that you have not slept well these past two nights. We are here so as not to disturb your peace. If you have no other instructions, we shall take our leave." As she spoke, she performed a bow to the empress dowager, and upon seeing the empress dowager nod slightly, she exited the warm chamber of Cining Palace.

Xiao You was lost in thought, "But Lady Zhao said, 'It's just the two of us sisters'..."

Wanwan made a sound of acknowledgment, just as she was about to step onto the palanquin, the Empress in front suddenly stopped, smiled at her, and waved her hand.

The queen smiled and said, "Where is there anyone who celebrates their birthday at fourteen? Wait for another two years, and your sister-in-law will host a banquet for you, and we will have a lively three days." She then changed the subject and continued, "I was thinking, would you come to my palace for a light meal the day after tomorrow? Just the two of us, without any outsiders. Don't think that just because I am the queen, the people below respect me; I also have to set an example, and it is difficult to get close to them. If we are to speak of equals, it is still you and me. You are of noble birth and a sensible person; in the future, we should interact more as sisters-in-law, as it will be beneficial for both of us in the palace."