Chapter Nine, Fragrant Heart Cocoa

In this world, where are there any fixed rules? This time, I traveled south with the factory officials and was hosted by the King of Nanyuan in Jinling. He mentioned you to me. Yin Lou looked at her, his gaze dim.

Hearing you say that, I truly wish to visit the south. Wanwan covered half of her face with a round fan, saying, "However, I cannot leave the palace at will, unlike men."

Cao Chun'ang should be here, "He just entered the palace, and the Empress Dowager summoned him right after; at this moment, he is speaking in the Cining Palace"

Wanwan made a sound of acknowledgment, "It has been mentioned to me before."

In the past, when Xiao You was around, she had someone with whom she could share her innermost thoughts. However, last year she was punished and sent to the Northeast No. 5, and she no longer expected anyone to accompany her. The Copper Ring people were quite good, taking care of her in every way, but those who were too pragmatic seemed difficult to resonate with her. Wanwan, like her mother, regardless of her high status or age, possessed a free-spirited heart; those who could be friends with her could not be too worldly. By chance, one day, such a person appeared; her name was Yin Lou. Originally, she was a celestial maiden meant to accompany Emperor Yuan Zhen in death, but because she had already caught the eye of the Second Brother, she fell from the white silk midway and did not die. Thus, she transformed from a mere person into a noble consort, adorned with a layer of gold in the imperial tomb, making a roundabout journey back to the palace, living next door to Empress Zhao, and becoming a target for Empress Zhao's frustrations.

Upon hearing her mention Wang Nanyuan, Wanwan's mind conjured the face of Xiao Duo, "The Yuwen clan cannot take a consort, have you forgotten?"

"Then what did he ask me to do?" She felt embarrassed again, worried that she had already been recognized by others, while she was still putting on airs, appearing like a fool in their eyes

Yin Lou's eyes instantly brightened, and the usually lively person suddenly became calm, pursing her lips with a hint of a smile at the corners of her brows, appearing exceptionally graceful. However, she slowly shook her head; even if she truly had someone she liked, she would never dare to admit it. Now, she bore the title of a royal concubine, actually designated by the Emperor, having already entered the palace, and she could no longer entertain any thoughts.

She blushed, "Always not growing up, isn't that a joke? How have you been in the south? Was the journey smooth?"

This reluctant visit was a significant blow to the Yinyang Building. With Chengzi observing her constant gloom, it wasn't long before she fell ill. The capital was in turmoil due to the fox demon, causing widespread panic. The newly established Xichang was ineffective in its duties, and the Emperor originally intended to gradually diminish the power of the Dongchang. However, due to the difficulty in resolving this issue, he ultimately reinstated Xiao Duo and summoned him back to the capital.

She clutched the handkerchief, feeling anxious yet filled with anticipation. Finally, she saw someone coming out from the Cining Gate, and she hurriedly took two steps forward, but upon seeing them, she felt a bit shy instead.

Wanwan raised her eyes to look at her, "Do you not wish to follow the Emperor?"

Yin Lou said: "If you want to leave the palace, you can only marry someone. Find an official from the south and quietly follow him out of the capital; the Empress Dowager won't be able to control you. " After saying this, she murmured, "It doesn't matter who you marry, just don't marry the King of Nanyuan..."

A person's name may also reflect their character. Things that are clearly invisible can condense into towers and gather into buildings; what a powerful force that must be. Yin Lou is such a powerful person. Her hometown is in Jiangnan, and she often speaks of the customs and culture of the south, the green brick alleys, and the night songs of Qinhuai. After the rain, leaning against the railing by the water and lowering a bamboo basket, the fisherman collects very little money but will give you a plump, lively carp. In places with water, there are outstanding people and a rich land; water nurtures both beauty and charm. After the rain, leaning against the railing by the water and lowering a bamboo basket, the fisherman collects very little money but will give you a plump, lively carp. In places with water, there are outstanding people and a rich land; water nurtures both beauty and charm.

Yin Lou is always talking mysteriously, yet lives quite freely. Once a woman enters the palace, the emperor will think of her for a long time; it is unreasonable not to summon her to his bed. One day, he finally stayed overnight with her. The next day, when she went to see her, her eyes were red, and she kept calling out "Tong Yun." Tong Yun is her maid, and upon hearing her cries, she sighed: "My lady, what is so extraordinary about this? It is just a night in the emperor's bed; why are you acting like this!"

He smiled gently, "It is all within my duties, I dare not speak of hardships. However, Your Highness, you have become much more accommodating compared to before"

She glanced outside and said, "I am opening my heart to you, you must not betray me." Seeing her agree, he then lowered his voice and said, "I do not like the Emperor and do not wish to become his concubine."

He furrowed his brows, "The late emperor has only been gone for a little over half a year, and Empress Zhao is rather hasty. I only wish to remind Your Highness of one thing: the Princess of Daye has the right to choose her consort. Marriage is a matter of a lifetime, so I implore Your Highness to think it over carefully and not act rashly"

Thus, Wanwan must learn to coexist with loneliness and to enjoy it. After all, in the future, life will present more profound feelings of this nature. Once you become accustomed to it, you will no longer feel afraid

Wanwan was overjoyed, "The factory minister has returned?"

In this way, the perfect person mentioned by Empress Zhao has already undergone his scrutiny. Since she has been advised to think carefully, it seems that the situation is far from ideal. Wanwan felt a sense of calm in her heart and let out a long sigh of relief. Without him in the palace, the Forbidden City felt as if it had lost its backbone; now that he has returned, everything seems to hold promise.

It is truly rare to encounter someone so incapable of navigating complexities. In the palace, there is not a single woman who dares to openly express her dislike for the Emperor. Even those who are not favored must put on a facade, let alone her, who has gone to great lengths to be readmitted.

Over the years, Wanwan has grown accustomed to such matters, and it seems that the men of Daye all regard serving their masters as their life goal, which inevitably feels rather dull. The Wang of Nanyuan left her with a stunning impression, yet upon reflection, it always overlaps with Xiao Duo; apart from the unforgettable golden ring in his eyes, everything else was merely fleeting like the wind.

He escorted her back to Yude Palace, walking while saying: "With the Emperor's ascension to the throne, it is indeed the time for messages to circulate. The succession of brothers differs from the inheritance of sons, and there are shortcomings in every aspect. I fear that the princes may cause trouble, and even those officials stationed in the outer provinces have not yet been summoned to the capital. Now that the world is at peace, the Empress Dowager intends to hold a grand Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, where both grace and authority will be exercised, allowing the Emperor to establish his prestige before these princes. I am currently preparing for this matter, but it seems that Chengzi is quite busy, and the items brought back for Your Highness are still stored in my residence. I will have my subordinates send them over later." Now that the world is at peace, the Empress Dowager intends to hold a grand Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, where both grace and authority will be exercised, allowing the Emperor to establish his prestige before these princes. I am currently preparing for this matter, but it seems that Chengzi is quite busy, and the items brought back for Your Highness are still stored in my residence. I will have my subordinates send them over later.

He returned, but Wanwan was unaware. That day, she still went to the Huo Luan Palace to visit, only returning in the evening. Walking through the alley, she saw Xiao Duo's godson, Cao Chunang, bouncing towards her, bowing and saying: "I pay my respects to Her Royal Highness, the Princess."

Falling in love with someone during one's youth is truly profound. Xiao Duo is like a picturesque scene, a tree in full bloom, best admired from a distance, untouched. Her thoughts remain unspoken, and she has never revealed even half a sentence in front of Yin Lou; on the contrary, she gradually discovers the unspeakable nature of Yin Lou. The bond between her and Xiao Duo seems quite extraordinary, lacking concrete evidence, but it is gleaned from the little details of daily life. If it were someone else, they might consider it a sensational secret, eager to proclaim it everywhere, yet Wan Wan finds it perfectly normal. Xiao Duo is an exceptional person, and since she likes him, others naturally will too. She is very pleased to have found a friend with similar views, which has brought her even closer to Yin Lou.

Cao Chun'ang responded with an acknowledgment, bowed slightly, and proceeded in the direction of the Eastern Depot

Wanwan recalled the trouble she had caused last year and realized that she had indeed had some contact with that Wang from Nanyuan. However, she felt that she had not revealed her identity at the time, which made her somewhat perplexed when he inquired about her, saying, "Mention me? I do not recognize him"

Wanwan shook her head, "It's nothing, there is still some time before the key is handed over. I was just about to take a walk in the garden, you go ahead and do what you need to do."

A person growing up alone, without playmates, can indeed feel lonely at times. Wanwan has a few peers among the noble ladies, but they are all outside the palace and seldom meet. In the past, her father had selected two to be her personal readers, living and dining with her, sharing day and night together. Unfortunately, due to personal recklessness or some political entanglements, both were successively dismissed.

The Hui Luan Palace and the Jie Feng Palace are in close proximity, with the rear hall directly adjacent to the walls of the Jie Feng Palace. When Empress Zhao is displeased, she loudly scolds the palace maids and eunuchs inside the hall, and it can be heard from the front. After establishing a close relationship with Yin Lou, Wan Wan often comes to experience Empress Zhao's scolding skills. She holds a tea cup, worrying for her, "At this rate, when will it come to an end? The palace values tranquility, yet this place is in such an uproar!"

In the height of summer, the sun has set, and red clouds spread across the sky, extending from the western horizon to the top, mottled and even. She lingered outside the Longzong Gate, where it intersects with the Cining Palace and West First Street. If he were to go to the Eastern Factory, he would undoubtedly pass through here. It has been three months since they last met, and she actually misses him a bit. The human heart is truly ever-changing; initially, she had felt disdain for him due to the unclear rumors surrounding him and Empress Zhao, but as time passed, this flaw became insignificant.

However, she does not have a favorable view of the Emperor, which Wanwan can clearly see. When they meet privately, she is full of life, but when the Emperor comes to visit, she feigns illness, appearing as if she is on the verge of death. Occasionally, when Wanwan talks about her with Tonghuan, Tonghuan also laughs, saying, "This Dowager Consort Duan is truly quite amusing."

Is the Emperor likable? Wanwan knows that he is not, so she says this without feeling that there is anything wrong with it. "Do you have someone you like in your heart?"

The sound of the building complex is not very favorable towards Wang from Nanyuan. "I am inquiring about how you are doing in the palace, whether you are engaged. You are of noble birth, and many people are eagerly hoping for your favor. Wang from Nanyuan is also a person, and it is inevitable that he wishes to climb the social ladder; this is quite obvious."

Cao Chun'ang calculated, "It has been two tea times, the Empress Dowager relies on her godfather for everything, as Your Highness is aware. I fear it may take a little longer. If Your Highness has any matters to attend to, please instruct this servant, and I will convey the message to the godfather."

"Old Lady Zhao belongs to the rat zodiac, doesn't she?" Yin Lou's heart was very broad, "Let her scold me, later I will learn to play the sheng, and in the middle of the night, I will play it, so she knows my prowess"

She changed to a light and playful tone, "What does the Empress Dowager want with you?"

How long has it been

He traveled such a long distance from south to north, yet he still brought her a gift, which at least proves that he remembers her. At this moment, it seems that any words would be superfluous; Wanwan lowered her head, a faint smile blossoming.

He nodded slightly, "It is indeed a difficult task, as there are too many interests involved, which has consumed quite a bit of effort." As he spoke, he scrutinized her, "Upon returning to the palace, I heard rumors regarding Your Highness's marriage. It seems that the old lady Zhao's matchmaking tendencies have resurfaced, and I have heard that she has recommended the son of the Zhao Yushi family?"

She does not suffer losses, and Wanwan is also relieved. Sitting and drinking Mingqian Longjing tea, she also expresses her feelings: "In fact, it is difficult for Lady Zhao as well. Although it is said to be supporting her, in reality, it is eating someone else's food. As for me, I used to be under her command, and being scolded a bit was nothing. She does not know, and I do not wish to be like this now..."

The copper ring pointed out from the side, "Over the years, Your Highness may have forgotten, but I remember. Ten years ago, I served at the grand banquet in the Feng Tian Hall for the prince. At that time, the King of the South Garden was still a young heir, no more than twelve or thirteen years old, accompanying his father to the palace for the feast. The young child could not sit still, and during the banquet, he left the main hall and accidentally wandered into the Qianqing Palace, where he was caught by the Imperial Guards. Originally, he was to be reported and await punishment, but by chance, Your Highness returned to the palace and encountered him. Seeing it was not a serious matter, you ordered him to be released." The young child could not sit still, and during the banquet, he left the main hall and accidentally wandered into the Qianqing Palace, where he was caught by the Imperial Guards. Originally, he was to be reported and await punishment, but by chance, Your Highness returned to the palace and encountered him. Seeing it was not a serious matter, you ordered him to be released.

The Empress Dowager observed her melancholy and did not find anything amiss, "Wanwans is such a good child, I have never seen anyone more obedient than her. She is well-behaved, filial, and knows how to conduct herself. We must not let the vulgar influences outside the palace corrupt her. A princess must maintain the demeanor of a princess; spending all day laughing and joking with them is simply unacceptable"

After she finished listening to the copper ring, her face was still a picture of confusion. This suggests that they had dealings a long time ago, yet when she saw him last year, she surprisingly had no impression of him at all

He called out, "Your Highness," and his figure appeared much diminished in the twilight. She shyly tucked her sleeves, and delicate flowers bloomed at the corners of her lips, "You have been working hard lately, managing both the silk production and overseeing the shipping, my lord."