Chapter 8: Exploring Life Aspirations Together
Jin Fei felt something unusual and instinctively turned around to take a look. She then let out a sharp scream and hurriedly hid a stack of cotton handkerchiefs behind her.
At this moment, she felt both joy and fear, her heart filled with contradictions
One who has just entered the world of relationships and one who has yet to experience it, what conclusions can they draw? The more I look, the redder my face becomes, my heart races more violently, and a mysterious wave of heat surges from deep within my body, leaving me feeling weak and slightly numb.
"What is my beloved consort holding in her hand?" Ye Tian asked with a smile. In fact, he had already seen it; the stack of cotton cloth was embroidered with intricate designs, depicting figures that seemed lifelike. If this were to be taken to future generations, it would undoubtedly be worth a fortune.
At this moment, it was already evening, and several palace lamps in the inner chamber were lit. Under the soft glow of the lights, she was leaning down with her personal maid, Xi'er, looking at something, their cheeks flushed with a shy crimson.
Ye Tian arrived at the Hall of Supreme Harmony, surrounded by numerous palace guards, eunuchs, and palace maids. The guards, eunuchs, and palace maids stationed outside all bowed and respectfully welcomed the imperial presence
"Your Majesty..." The blushing Concubine Jin stammered, "When... when did you arrive..."
Having first encountered the matters of men and women on m.hetushu.com, Ye Tian, eager to escape poverty, acted violently, causing significant harm to Jin Fei, who was filled with fear. This seemed to differ from what her already married third sister had said. However, she felt that her sister had no reason to deceive her, thus she was filled with doubt. After returning to the palace, she took out the embroidered spring palace tapestry to discuss it with Xi'er.
Ye Tian stood up and glared at Zheng Longji, saying: "Starting tomorrow, I will have three dishes and one soup for each meal. Do you understand?"
This made him increasingly perplexed, as the emperor's mind was difficult to fathom. He wiped the beads of cold sweat from his forehead, realizing that he would have to consult Chief Steward Su later; otherwise, if he inadvertently displeased the emperor one day, the noose around his neck might need to be relocated.
When he achieved poverty alleviation, he discovered that Concubine Jin was still a maiden, which particularly delighted Ye Tian, who had a complex about virgins. He smiled broadly and embraced her, chuckling softly as he whispered in her ear: "My beloved, such matters cannot be explored alone; let us study them together and uncover the mysteries within, for that is the true essence of life"
Zheng Longji bowed deeply and nodded vigorously. After the Emperor departed, he hurriedly picked up the pot of wine that the Emperor had just drunk from and cautiously took a sip.
A young eunuch wished to enter and report to Consort Jin, but Ye Tian waved his hand to stop him. He instructed everyone to wait outside while he entered alone
The beauty is shy beyond measure, her jade-like cheeks flushed with the colors of spring. She is as radiant as the blooming flowers of March, exceptionally enchanting and captivating, causing Ye Tian to involuntarily swallow a mouthful of saliva.
The daughters of poor families typically marry with inexpensive paper decorations, while the daughters of noble families usually marry with costly embroidered silk handkerchiefs adorned with intricate designs
Until today, the Emperor finally took a liking to her, which filled her with both surprise and anxiety, fearing that the Emperor's affection was merely a fleeting whim, and that he would continue to favor the beautiful consort while neglecting her.
Perhaps due to their intense focus, neither of them noticed Ye Tian entering the room
The Emperor mocks this humble servant... Jin Fei, feeling shy, buries her head into his embrace, her bashful and pouting demeanor becoming even more enchanting and captivating, ensnaring one's very soul
Such an embarrassing matter, if seen by the Emperor, would leave Consort Jin utterly humiliated, wishing she could find a crack to hide in
A young eunuch led the way ahead, with the chief steward of the Imperial Kitchen, Su Lunzi, attending closely by his side. Ye Tian took a few steps, then suddenly stopped, turning to Zheng Longji, the head of the Imperial Kitchen, and said: "Five dishes and one soup for the consorts"
"Your Majesty..." Xi'er was equally startled and hurriedly bent down to pay her respects.
The heavens are unpredictable, and accompanying you is akin to accompanying a tiger; at this moment, such sentiments inevitably surge within their hearts
All the food consumed by the Emperor is first tasted by specially assigned palace maids and eunuchs. This is done to prevent poisoning and to assess the flavor of the food. Only those deemed suitable are then served on the table for the Emperor's enjoyment
Zheng Longji shuddered in fear and quickly bowed, replying: "In response to Your Majesty, this servant remembers... remembers it well"
He wished to go to the palace of Consort Jin, but the deceased emperor had never favored Consort Jin. Naturally, in his fragmented memories, there was little impression of her. Ye Tian did not know which palace Consort Jin resided in, so he had to ask someone to guide him.
What she and Xi'er were watching was the spring palace picture that Sanjie Dugu Rong had secretly given her at the time of her marriage. When women get married, the elders in the family will quietly inform them about what to do on the wedding night. This spring palace painting can be considered a form of theoretical knowledge.
The wine is the Quyang Chun offered by the Cao family of Quyang, which can be considered the finest wine of the Great Zhou Kingdom. The taste remains the same, just like the one that the Emperor and the scholars usually drink, with no issues whatsoever. However, the Emperor's expression of frowning after tasting the wine clearly indicates his dissatisfaction with it
Outside, eunuchs and palace maids were waiting. Under normal circumstances, no one would dare to intrude; otherwise, their family would face extermination. Even if someone sought an audience, the eunuchs and palace maids would announce it. Jinfei and Xi'er had never anticipated that someone would quietly walk in.
Ye Tian was very happy with his meal and soon felt satisfied. Of course, he only tasted the so-called best royal wine in the country and immediately spat it out. Compared to modern wines, he could only describe this country's so-called fine wine with one word—terrible
His actions caused Su Zilun and Zheng Longji, who had just caught their breath, to become tense again, with Zheng Longji breaking out in a cold sweat. Could there be a problem with the drinks
Ye Tian passed through layers of light gauze and quietly entered the inner chamber. He saw Concubine Jin and Xi'er looking down at something. Out of curiosity, he tiptoed over and leaned in behind Concubine Jin
In the evening, the Emperor finally arrived, filling her heart with immense surprise and a hint of happiness, yet at the same time, she felt an overwhelming sense of nervousness, as the painful experiences of her earlier encounters still lingered in her mind.
Having been in the palace for over a year, the Emperor only favored Consort Xing, which often led her to lament that her fate was worse than that of a poor village girl. At least they could fulfill their roles as women, supporting their husbands and raising children, living a happy little life filled with love and affection.
He secretly cast a questioning and puzzled glance at Su Zilun, who gently shook his head. He was also wondering what was wrong with the Emperor today
In the bedroom, Jin Fei, just out of the shower, let her long, dark hair fall freely. She wore a gossamer white silk robe that accentuated her voluptuous and enchanting figure. Without any makeup, her elegant features were highlighted by a hint of blush, resembling a pristine lotus flower, exuding a dignified nobility intertwined with a touch of allure.
Seeing the Emperor eating with great enjoyment, Su Zilun and Zheng Longji both quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Zheng Longji even discreetly wiped the beads of cold sweat rolling down his forehead with a silk handkerchief
As a wife, she has been raised since childhood to adhere to the ancient teachings of the Three Obediences and Four Virtues, and thus cannot refuse her husband's requests
"Lead the way to Concubine Jin's palace." Ye Tian thought about how he had just been tantalized by Concubine Li, feeling a gnawing resentment. If you dare to tease me, I will tease you back. Hmph, there are plenty of beauties in the harem. Just the young maidservants attending are all younger and more beautiful than the last. Am I really worried about not having beautiful women to pursue?