Chapter 5, The Peony Blooms
If it comes to meticulous brushwork, Tongxi believes she is still superior to Emperor Tianzheng. However, when it comes to artistic conception and momentum, she falls short by a considerable margin. She couldn't help but steal another glance at Emperor Tianzheng, who was currently stamping the painting.
Tong Xi had no choice but to feign carelessness and accidentally knocked the jade table where the chopsticks were placed to the ground. She let out a soft gasp, bent down to pick it up. Naturally, this was not a task that a noble consort like her needed to do, but she took the opportunity to glance at the legs beneath the table, and quickly retracted her legs, inserting her foot behind Du Gu Yuanfeng's legs. After that, she finally calmed down.
Dugu Yuanfeng tasted one and remarked, "It is indeed sweet; I did not expect that the common fruits from the folk would taste fresher than those in the palace"
Upon seeing this, Dugu Yuanfeng immediately understood that Tongxi had agreed to join her in confronting Mu Zhaowen, and she smiled faintly
Mu Zhaowen did not feel embarrassed upon hearing this, and simply smiled lightly to dismiss it.
"Zhaowen, you may also take a seat. Today is merely a family meal together, so you need not be overly concerned with formalities," spoke Emperor Tianzheng, Huangfu Yan.
The eyes of Du Gu Yuan Feng seemed to shoot out fire. Tong Xi felt that this trip had yielded considerable gains; in the entire harem, only this Du Gu Yuan Feng could suppress her, as she bore the title of Empress Dowager and had an affair with Emperor Tian Zheng. It now appeared that this Empress Dowager could only be regarded as a relic of the past.
The Heavenly Sovereign Emperor took a bite and then set it down, saying, "The taste is quite good"
The Emperor Tianzheng looked and praised, "The Yao Huang written by the noble consort is exquisite and extraordinary."
I have brought a small quantity of wild mulberries from my home, which are exceptionally sweet. Therefore, I have specially brought some for Her Majesty the Empress Dowager. Although they are common items from the folk, they are not often found in the palace. " Tong Xi's words were very sweet. She needed to establish a good camaraderie with the Empress Dowager.
Dressed in a moon-white palace gown, she appeared elegant and dignified. However, what was surprising was that she adorned her head with a peony flower, precisely the "Lantian jade." Tongxi couldn't help but chuckle to herself, as it seemed that today was indeed a good day
Tong Xi discovered Mu Zhao Wen's subtle movements and noticed that Emperor Tian Zheng's expression was not pleasant. Her heart tightened, realizing that this Consort Zhao was not as calm and composed as she appeared on the surface
It seems that I have arrived at just the right moment. I wonder what snacks the Zhaofei has prepared that have garnered such praise from the Guifei. The figure of Dugu Yuanfeng emerged from behind the flowers
Tong Xi has been in the palace for quite some time but has yet to have the fortune of witnessing the Heavenly Ruler's painting; she is quite curious about it. Meanwhile, Dugu Yuanfeng is feeling quite vexed beside her
The sky is still bright; I wonder if the Empress Dowager has the leisure to engage in a game of chess with this humble servant
Tong Xi recalled what had just happened and felt as if she was about to overheat. However, Emperor Tianzheng continued his words, "Since 'Grandma' has spoken, Zhao Wen, do you still dare not to sit?"
Mu Zhaowen stood beside the Empress Dowager with a wine jug in hand, intending to pour wine and serve dishes for the three esteemed guests seated above.
The Heavenly Sovereign does not share Tong Xi's fondness for vibrant colors; instead, he employs the ink strokes sketched by Mu Zhaowen and utilizes the technique of landscape painting to create an ink wash painting of peonies competing in beauty.
Mousse? Tongxi asked curiously
Your Majesty, with so many wives and concubines in the harem, I believe that Consort Zhao understands etiquette the best. However, Consort Zhao, since Your Majesty has spoken, please take a seat, lest people say that I, as the mother-in-law, am not doing my part, and Your Majesty may also hold it against me. Duke Gu Yuanfeng naturally noticed Mu Zhao Wen's actions. This kind of condescending talk, when spoken by a young matron, carries a unique charm of playful affection.
Tong Xi felt a sense of worry and fear at this point. Her ability to become a noble consort was partly due to the influence of her own family, and partly because among her rivals, there was no woman as intelligent as Mu Zhao Wen who also caught the special attention of Emperor Tian Zheng.
Dugu Yuanfeng could not fathom Linghu Tongxi's thoughts and merely assumed that she had learned to be obedient to her.
"I have come today to express my gratitude for the Empress Dowager's favor on that day," Tongxi said with a faint smile.
However, Mu Zhaowen did not dare to sit down; instead, he secretly glanced at the Empress Dowager and Tongxi, then lowered his eyelids.
The game of chess has not yet concluded, but someone from Aunt Qi Yun's side has come to urge, stating that the Emperor requests the Imperial Concubine to return to the palace. Naturally, Tong Xi does not dare to delay, so she has someone record the game notation, intending to return next time to play with the Empress Dowager.
"Your Highness, is that dessert still being served?" Yu Xiang asked softly from the side
Upon seeing this, Mu Zhaowen also put down the pen in her hand and stepped forward to praise, "I truly feel ashamed, Your Majesty. May I not need to paint anymore?" Mu Zhaowen playfully tugged at the sleeve of Emperor Tianzheng.
Upon seeing the newcomer, Shu Bo, she immediately realized that there had been a change in the palace
Since the Empress Dowager has such elegance, Wen'er, you should go and paint a picture
This is walnut mousse. Mu Zhaowen quickly adjusted his emotions
Huangfu Yan downed the drink in one go, but covered Mu Zhaowen's wine cup with his left hand, saying, "Zhaowen, you have always been weak in your tolerance for alcohol; I shall drink this cup on your behalf." Without waiting for Mu Zhaowen to respond, he took her cup and drank it all in one gulp
Mu Zhaowen immediately recalled her identity, "This is a type of pastry that has been brought over from the Western Regions. I also learned it from guests from the Western Regions when I was a child. The term 'mousse' is also the name used over there"
Go ahead
However, Tongxi is unaware of the following uses of this square table
Mu Zhaowen naturally sat up in response
"How could it be? Before entering the palace, Lady Zhao was quite renowned in her hometown of Yunyang Prefecture."
At noon, the Heavenly Sovereign was also dining at the Zhi Yu Pavilion. It was only then that Tong Xi remembered that, apart from large family banquets, she seemed to have never dined with the Heavenly Sovereign before.
The four of them turned together to look at Mu Zhaowen, who had only managed to sketch half of a skeleton, and the outline of the peony had just begun to emerge. "It seems that Wen'er is indeed not skilled in painting; let me continue your brushwork," said Emperor Tianzheng, in a rare moment of good humor.
At this moment, without expressing gratitude to the Emperor, one silently surveys the Empress Dowager and the Imperial Concubine. Does this not imply that the Emperor's words hold no weight if these two do not speak?
Tong Xi retreated to one side, praising who does not love to hear compliments. Today, she seemed to sense the happiness of the Heavenly Sovereign, yet still did not dare to face this person
Dugu Yuanfeng's smile was somewhat stiff, while Mu Zhaowen shyly lowered her head, using a handkerchief to cover the corners of her mouth, unable to suppress her laughter.
April 15
This is a pastry that I made during my leisure time, and I kindly ask Your Majesty and Her Highness to taste it
I pay my respects to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager
With a graceful sweep on the familiar paper, the brush moved like a dancing dragon, and soon a vibrant depiction of "National Beauty and Heavenly Fragrance" sprang to life on the page
Tongxi also took a bite, "Sweet but not cloying, smooth and tender upon entry, Sister Zhaofei has such skilled hands." Tongxi smiled, "Perhaps it would be even better if some lemon or mango flavor were added."
Indeed, he is probably trying to flirt with Dugu Yuanfeng, but instead, he has stumbled over his own feet. Tongxi feels extremely embarrassed; these two clearly violate propriety yet are still flirting in front of herself and Empress Zhao. Tongxi truly cannot comprehend Emperor Tianzheng; seeing his serious expression and refined demeanor, it is hard to imagine he is such a person, and even harder to anticipate how terrifying he could be at night.
Tong Xi did not exactly dislike Mu Zhao Wen, but her close relationship with Emperor Tian Zheng made Tong Xi feel that the balance in the harem was somewhat unstable
Mu Zhaowen had someone serve a piece of mousse to the Empress Dowager, and Li Mama, who was beside her, also tested it with a silver needle as per usual. Only then did Dugu Yuanfeng take a small taste, frowning as she said, "This pastry is a bit too sweet and greasy; I do not enjoy sweet foods. However, it is quite considerate of the Zhaofei to have this thoughtfulness." Dugu Yuanfeng smiled on the surface but not in her heart
You have depicted the elegant and opulent nature of the peony with a striking and resolute presence, and the central blossom of Yao Huang exudes an aura of sovereign authority over all.
Mu Zhaowen cannot be delayed any longer; she is unfamiliar with the previous owner of this body she has traversed into
"Your Majesty, I have heard that Consort Zhao is also a great talent among our harem. Why not have her and the Noble Consort each create a painting for us to evaluate? The one who excels shall receive a reward from Your Majesty, what do you think?" Du Gu Yuanfeng said with a smile.
I simply do not have a fondness for sweet foods
For the first time, Tong Xi saw a gentle side of the Heavenly Sovereign. Previously, he was either cold and distant like a celestial being or fierce and terrifying like a devil at night. She was somewhat uncertain; was it this gentleness that made Mu Zhaowen and the other women in the palace endure the discomfort of the night?
Her gaze did not even dare to glance at the Heavenly Sovereign.
How did the imperial concubine arrive
Today, I am truly fortunate, not only to have heard the exquisite poetry of the Imperial Concubine, but also to have tasted her culinary skills. Tongxi is always able to smile comfortably in front of others
This year's peonies are truly splendid, Your Highness. Before your marriage, it was said that you were a master of painting. I wonder if you would be interested in creating a piece titled 'National Beauty and Heavenly Fragrance' today? The Changxin Palace is in need of a painting for decoration.
Tong Xi had grown accustomed to playing the mute gourd in front of the Heavenly Sovereign, and she lowered her head to drink tea as if she had not heard anything
She has been skilled in painting since childhood, and she considers herself exceptionally intelligent, able to paint several times faster than others
"Does the Emperor not like it?" Mu Zhaowen said with a hint of displeasure
Tongxi humbly accepted it after a moment of hesitation, clearly indicating that Dugu Yuanfeng was looking out for her, not wanting Mu Zhaowen to take all the glory alone. As Tongxi is a disciple of the contemporary painting master Qinghe, her flower and bird paintings rank among the top three in the entire Jingxuan.
What she desires is a soulmate who trusts her one hundred percent
However, the imperial harem is without an empress, and the court is abuzz with discussions. The ministers are also urging Emperor Tianzheng to establish an empress, yet he remains silent, clearly indicating his reluctance to do so. For the past three years, Tianzheng had been fortunate not to have appointed an empress, feeling relieved that he still had time. However, now that she has returned, the position of empress seems to possess a magical allure that troubles her. She desires it; she yearns for the utmost glory and wealth
Emperor Tianzheng and Tongxi, along with two others, rose to pay their respects to Dugu Yuanfeng
"However, I am not skilled in painting, nor do I dare to compare myself with Your Highness, the Noble Consort." Mu Zhaowen found it difficult, as she truly did not understand traditional Chinese painting well, thus indirectly delaying the matter
Tongxi is curious, what kind of snack requires such inquiry
After a meal, she felt exhausted, but she increasingly understood why Dugu Yuanfeng was so wary of Mu Zhaowen. She was indeed the first consort that Emperor Tianzheng cared about so much, and she actually took the time to be considerate of her well-being
The pastries presented by the palace maid were ones that neither the Emperor's favored consort, Huangfu Yan, nor Tongxi had ever seen before. After Jiang Deqi tested them for poison with a silver needle, Zhao Fei then rose to cut them for the two. However, the faint hurt in her eyes did not escape the sensitive Tongxi. She could not understand Mu Zhaowen; in her view, Jiang Deqi's act of testing for poison was entirely normal. Yet, because Mu Zhaowen was in love, she felt that this was Huangfu Yan's lack of trust in her. The faint hurt in her eyes did not escape the sensitive Tongxi. She could not understand Mu Zhaowen; in her view, Jiang Deqi's act of testing for poison was entirely normal. Yet, because Mu Zhaowen was in love, she felt that this was Huangfu Yan's lack of trust in her.
Mu Zhaowen secretly admired that this noble consort truly knows how to enjoy life
Time passes very quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it has flown to the fifteenth day of April. After finishing dinner, Tongxi took only Xuanxun to the Empress Dowager's Changxin Palace, leaving Aunt Qiyun to attend to matters within the hall.
Tong Xi played a few moves, allowing Dugu Yuanfeng to take the lead with the black pieces. Dugu Yuanfeng's chess skills were inferior to those of Tong Xi, so Tong Xi did not exert much effort. However, her mind was entirely preoccupied with matters concerning the Tonghui Palace, which inadvertently allowed Dugu Yuanfeng to gain a slight advantage.
Tong Xi carefully tucked her legs in, pressing them tightly against the leg of the chair, trying to avoid the Emperor Tianzheng's leg. However, that leg would not let her go, and the caresses on her calf became increasingly explicit.
Tong Xi's face flushed, and she hurriedly looked up. The Heavenly Sovereign was gazing seriously at Dugu Yuanfeng, though the corners of his mouth were slightly upturned in a barely noticeable smile
The first cup of wine is to toast to the prosperity of our Jingxuan Dynasty, with abundant resources and a flourishing populace. Dugu Yuanfeng raised her wine cup, her face flushed and the corners of her mouth lifted.
She was drinking water with her head down when she suddenly noticed that a foot had hooked onto hers, the toes gently scraping against her calf, creating a distinctly lascivious sensation
However, having no children is like a sword hanging over her head
During lunch, the Emperor ordered dishes to be served on a square table. He occupied the upper seat, the Empress Dowager sat opposite him, and Tongxi sat to his right. The intention was to create a sense of family intimacy, as sharing a meal at a small square table would make them appear more like a close-knit family.
Tong Xi carefully examined the "Yao Huang" in front of her and had preparations made for pigments such as rouge, stone green, flower blue, vine yellow, and white powder
Changxin Palace
Tong Xi carefully observed and found that Mu Zhao Wen was indeed a formidable opponent, showing no signs of arrogance despite being favored. Her actions were measured and restrained. Even when the Empress Dowager and herself had put her in a difficult position earlier, she remained entirely submissive, displaying no signs of anger.
Such a handsome and wise monarch should be the ideal husband that all women in the world yearn for, right? Tongxi asked herself uncertainly
The palace maid has already begun to prepare the painting tools for Tongxi, "Your Highness, how do you plan to paint today?" Xuanxuan stepped forward to attend to her.
As soon as the Empress Dowager arrived, Mu Zhaowen obediently stood by to serve, offering tea and water to Emperor Tianzheng, their glances exchanged filled with deep affection. "Wen'er, you should sit down; these matters can be handled by the servants," Emperor Tianzheng said with great consideration.
The palace maids, Jin Xiu and others, brought forth the chessboard along with a pair of chess boxes and other implements. Tong Xi carefully examined the bamboo round relief chess box. Although it was not particularly valuable, the carvings on it were exceptionally exquisite. The front depicted the colorful Seven Stars and Misty Path, while the back featured the beautiful scenery of the palace, with jade clouds inviting guests to linger at the Crane Tower. It seemed to be specially crafted by the palace artisans, embodying both elegance and the frugal nature of Emperor Tianzheng.
She let out a sigh of relief and raised her eyes to look at the person at the table; the faint smile at the corner of the Heavenly Sovereign's mouth had completely vanished.