Chapter 2, The Return of the Phoenix

After a moment, Tongxi took her leave and departed

She accompanied Emperor Tianzheng for over a year. He has always favored simple and pure women, detesting the intrigues and gossip among the concubines in the harem. Therefore, Tongxi never dared to provoke him.

Before she was married, she gradually earned her place at home, becoming her father's most cherished daughter. After being selected for the imperial harem, she steadily rose to the position of noble consort. She has always been very confident in her abilities and genuinely enjoys this life of mutual scheming, as it makes her days far from dull

With the grace of a dragon and the elegance of a phoenix, possessing a natural disposition, his brows and eyes are as clear as the tranquil river's bright waves, and his figure is as refined as the noble orchid and jade tree. He simply sits quietly, and one feels as if witnessing the bright moon rising from the Tianshan Mountains, the spring breeze sweeping across the northern desert, discussing elegance akin to the clear wind through bamboo, and observing his demeanor like the luster of pearls and jade. He truly deserves the description: "The stones are like jade, the pines are like emeralds, his beauty is unparalleled, and there is none like him in the world."

Tong Xi blinked her eyes and immediately understood the status of this Zhao Fei. Having been away from the palace for three years, she was already unfamiliar with the situation inside the palace and had not inquired about anything.

Her translucent, white fingertips gently tapped the armrest. Although this jade phoenix throne was hard and uncomfortable to sit on, I wondered if the Empress's phoenix throne would be a bit more comfortable.

Shang Yi stepped forward to request the noble consort to descend from the palanquin

At a quarter past the hour of Si, the side door—Zhongshun Gate—opened. The consort saw from a distance the golden-yellow zhai carriage of the noble consort being carried slowly by eight men. The Heavenly Sovereign had no heirs in the imperial harem, and only the noble consort before her was qualified to ride in the zhai carriage covered with golden satin, the color of which was very close to the emperor's bright yellow, making it quite enviable to behold.

He used to be like this as well, but no one ever thought in that direction. If it weren't for witnessing it with her own eyes, Tongxi would also find it hard to believe. She had always thought that the current Empress Dowager was not the Emperor's biological mother, hence the two were not close, and he naturally would not have that kind of genuine respect for the Empress Dowager. Now, upon careful reflection, she realizes the ambiguity in his tone.

The spring light cascades upon Linghu Tongxi, who is dressed in ceremonial robes, with a dazzling display of jewels and treasures reflecting and competing for attention, exuding an indescribable grandeur and nobility, sparkling brilliantly and dazzling to the eyes.

I humbly wish for the Empress Dowager's peace and longevity, may she live for thousands of years. Tong Xi stepped forward to perform the six solemn bows and nine prostrations. Meanwhile, the Emperor merely offered a perfunctory greeting, saying, "I respectfully wish for the Empress Dowager's peace."

Tong Xi sighed softly, took another sip of tea, and said, "It seems that I should express my gratitude to Consort Zhao as well." Suddenly, she changed the subject and asked, "Is this tea from the Golden Phoenix?"

"Your Majesty, please take a look as well." The Emperor Tianzheng, Huangfu Yan, casually took the scripture from the Empress Dowager's hands, "The Concubine's calligraphy in the Liu style has improved remarkably, embodying the essence of the Liu style's clarity and strength, with a robust and vigorous quality, while also incorporating the elegance and charm of gracefulness, presenting a unique style."

The return of the consort, who had been away from the palace for three years, can be regarded as the most significant event in the imperial harem of the Heavenly Governance Emperor this year

Tong Xi smiled at her, and Mu Zhao Wen quickly realized her own uniqueness, hastily lowering her head

"Did the imperial concubine commit some wrongdoing that makes her unable to look at me?" The voice was merely deep and pleasant, making it impossible to discern any emotions of joy, anger, sorrow, or happiness, which only heightened Tongxi's anxiety. However, his words were incorrect; it was clearly he who had committed a wrongdoing that had been discovered by her, yet it felt as if she were the one who had done something wrong.

Tong Xi raised her head to face the current Empress Dowager Dugu Yuanfeng, who became the Empress Dowager at the tender age of eighteen, born under the destined fate of a natural queen, "Mother Dream Moon Entering the Embrace".

What is presented is precisely the form of 'Wanchun Silver Leaf' that the Empress most favors

Yuxiang Kuaiyue's remark: "I never expected the noble consort to be so beautiful." She took advantage of the favored treatment that Zhaofei bestowed upon the servants, speaking without any restraint.

"Has the imperial concubine paid her respects to the Empress Dowager?" the Tianzheng Emperor asked casually

Mu Zhaowen then sighed lightly: "Generally, those who rely on beauty to win affection will find that as beauty fades, love diminishes; when love diminishes, favor is lost." The departure of the favored concubine from the palace likely serves as a testament to this saying, as even such a beautiful woman could not secure the Emperor's lasting affection

Tong Xi raised her head again, striving to gaze at the Heavenly Sovereign Emperor Fu Yan for but a moment, before quickly lowering her head once more, as she was always afraid to meet his eyes. However, this time she clearly saw his appearance, which had grown more profound compared to three years ago

Linghu Tongxi looked at the woman at the front with some surprise. All the concubines knew that it was disrespectful to raise their heads and look directly at the noble consort, yet she boldly stared at her. Was the meaning conveyed in those eyes sympathy?

Indeed, after Du Gu Yuan Feng scolded Tong Xi, her expression improved significantly

However, the noble consort is young and beautiful; if one day she gives birth to a prince..." Old Madam Li said anxiously

In fact, those eyes are truly not frightening at all. With dragon-like pupils and phoenix-like gaze, they are strikingly beautiful, and within them, there is no sign of coldness or cruelty; they are merely profound, leaving one unable to decipher their depths. For someone like Tongxi, who is accustomed to reading others' expressions, encountering someone whose emotions are inscrutable always evokes a sense of trepidation.

Emperor Tianzheng sat for a moment before hurriedly leaving to attend to urgent matters, leaving Tongxi and Dugu Yuanfeng to discuss the situation.

Yet, even so, she did not dare to meet the gaze of the Heavenly Sovereign, merely bowing her head in gratitude

"Transmit the records of my daily activities from the past three years when I was not present in the palace for me to review." This was something only the Empress could do, but Linghu Tongxi had held considerable power in the palace for quite some time, so it was natural for her to arrange for someone trustworthy to handle such an important position.

At this moment, Tongxi had no choice but to stand up somewhat reluctantly, "Xuanxuan, Shubo, assist this palace in changing clothes."

In its gaze, there is envy, disdain, and sympathy. For instance, Mu Zhaowen, regardless of how glorious the title of concubine may be, is merely one of the emperor's consorts, destined to share a cucumber with many other women, which has long predetermined her sorrow

It was only today that I saw the gaze of that Zhao Fei, and the sympathy in her eyes made Tong Xi feel somewhat amused. How could she not know how ridiculous it is to go to such lengths to compete for a man who is unlikely to be devoted? Yet, who can truly understand the joy of that competitive process?

Tong Xi did not expect that Dugu Yuanfeng would send such a grand gift to her. This was originally the duty of the Empress, and now she, as a noble consort, is temporarily taking her place. It must be said that this gift is very precious, but Dugu Yuanfeng's emphasis on it made Tong Xi sense an underlying meaning. "This servant humbly respects the Empress Dowager's decree." She responded well; if there are any severe punishments in the future, they will all be in accordance with the Empress Dowager's decree.

"Please rise." The sound of pearls falling onto a jade plate came from above.

However, this is hardly anything; in these prominent families, what kind of sordid affairs are absent? Tongxi has long been accustomed to such matters. It is just that the scheme of Dugu Yuanfeng, which led her to witness that unbearable scene, forced her to leave the palace, making it difficult for her to swallow this grievance. She has always enjoyed competing with others, finding it immensely entertaining. This time, Dugu Yuanfeng unexpectedly invited her back to the harem, and from now on, the subsequent matters would no longer be under her control

This tea has a light golden-brown color, with an oily sheen and specks of cinnabar red. Its aroma is clear, lofty, and profound, possessing a unique fragrance. The taste is rich and refreshing, with a bright orange-yellow and clear liquor, featuring a red edge and green heart. It is extremely precious and is the favorite tea of Linghu Tongxi.

Dugu Yuanfeng gazed at this "daughter-in-law" whom she had not seen for three years, feeling quite unsettled. Linghu Tongxi's family background was not inferior to her own, and her presence was likely even more commanding than Dugu's. Wherever she went, she was the center of attention. Dugu Yuanfeng looked at the noblewoman's court attire with a hint of jealousy; if she could, she truly wished to exchange the Empress Dowager's robes for her own. All she desired was to be the wife of the Heavenly Sovereign.

Linghu Tongxi secretly felt pleased with herself. Since childhood, she had been exceptionally intelligent, skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Bearing the aura of the foremost talented woman in the capital, she did not take the praises of others to heart. However, the Emperor Tianzheng rarely praised anyone, so when Tongxi heard his commendation, she felt a sense of pride. Receiving the Emperor's praise was undoubtedly not a bad thing for a consort.

The words of Aunt Qiyun from the Honghui Palace, spoken by Linghu Tongxi, were yet another matter. "I wonder why the Empress Dowager took the initiative to suggest to His Majesty that the Empress return to the palace?"

As soon as the brocade box was opened, the room was filled with golden light, and inside was a complete set of the "Diamond Sutra." "Your Majesty, this is the scripture that I, your humble servant, have devoted myself to copying over the past three years, praying for blessings for the Jingxuan Dynasty. I have even added gold powder to the ink to express my sincerity," Tongxi said with a slight smile.

"This servant has also prepared a gift for Your Majesty, please graciously accept it." Tongxi received the brocade box from the bundle and presented it with both hands

She reminisced about the excitement and joy experienced after each success, becoming increasingly captivated by the allure of the harem. The more brutal and bloody the battlefield became, the more exhilarated she felt.

It is commendable that she still remembers this palace's preferences. What shape is that tea cake made in? Linghu Tongxi has become so picky about food and clothing that it is truly outrageous; she only likes the best of everything. Only the luxury of this harem allows her to thrive and live leisurely.

Hearing her refer to herself as "this humble servant" on one side and "mother empress" on the other, Dugu Yuanfeng felt increasingly uneasy. However, since the favored concubine's way of addressing the empress dowager was indeed beyond reproach, one could only say that it was a matter of perception for the listener

At times, Tongxi cannot help but ponder that if the extraordinary birth of Dugu Yuanfeng had not been so enigmatic, the superstitious late emperor would not have whimsically summoned her into the palace and conferred upon her the title of empress. Consequently, this scandalous affair would not have emerged.

It will be good when the noble consort returns, and you shall temporarily take charge of the governance of the six palaces. If any of the concubines in the inner palace disrespect the family laws, interfere in state affairs, distort right and wrong, or seduce the ruler, the noble consort must conduct a thorough investigation, report the facts, and impose strict penalties without leniency.

"Grandmother, do not worry. Does she not realize why she is able to return to the palace? The first day of the first month is the day the Emperor favors her as the foremost among the harem. By choosing to return on the second day, is she not showing weakness to me? After encountering that incident, she will likely feel awkward when she sees the Emperor, and the Emperor will probably not greet her warmly either. So you need not concern yourself with these matters."

Madam Li has always believed that Dugu Yuanfeng is like an orchid in a secluded valley, possessing its own fragrance. However, Ling Hu Tongxi seems to be like a national beauty peony, blooming in a dazzling and striking manner to the utmost degree. Her thoughts are inscrutable, as evidenced by her ability to win the heart of the current emperor and rise to the rank of imperial consort within a year, indicating her extraordinary nature. Unfortunately, her own master has never regarded her with any importance.

Her eyes smiled like a crescent moon, and she savored a sip of tea. For many, this place is a hell on earth, but for her, it is a paradise on earth

In this place, Tongxi was accompanied by her aunt Qiyun, who had been with her for many years, and soon reported back what she had observed. "Your Highness, it seems that the palanquin of the Zhaofei was specially made, presumably a gift from the Emperor. It is adorned with gold and silver, has a brown top, and is decorated with fragrant sandalwood flowers in red and yellow. The bedding is made of red silk, the tassels are of red fur, and the screens and curtains are all of red silk."

As Linghu Tongxi gracefully stepped forward and entered the Tonghui Palace, everyone raised their heads to gaze at her silhouette. Although Mu Zhaowen was quite confident in the appearance he had inherited, he could not help but acknowledge that Linghu Tongxi was an exceptionally magnificent phoenix.

I shall also be leaving today; Empress, please sit for a while. Once I finish my tasks, I will accompany you to Changxin Palace to pay respects to the Empress Dowager. As soon as the words left my mouth, the sound of documents being reviewed came from above.

Tong Xi slowly raised her head to look at the person on the steps. After a brief moment of eye contact, she quickly lowered her head again. Having been away from the palace for three years, she had thought that returning would be easier, but she found herself as fearful of him as ever, afraid to meet his gaze

However, Tongxi still felt afraid. She had never been afraid when facing so many people who wished to devour her flesh and skin, yet when confronted with the current Emperor, she found herself utterly unable to face him

However, after living in the imperial harem for several decades, Mama Li has seen many people in this palace and remains unable to put her mind at ease regarding this noble consort

On the second day of March, the Concubine's palace, Tonghui Palace, had already been cleaned and tidied, with bright windows and a spotless interior, awaiting the return of its mistress. All the concubines in the harem were dressed in court attire, standing by the imperial path in front of Tonghui Palace to welcome the return of the Concubine, as she was currently the highest-ranking woman in the harem

Indeed. Upon learning that Her Highness was to return to the palace, Master Han specially instructed the palace attendants to present this.

Xuan Xuan attended to Tong Xi, who was dressed in court attire, a long skirt made of blue cloud-patterned satin, with sleeves that extended to the arms adorned with flying phoenixes and clouds. A sash was brought in, holding a consort's crown, which featured a golden phoenix standing atop it, with its tail hanging down adorned with five rows of pearls, totaling one hundred and sixty pearls, each row further embellished with lapis lazuli, tourmaline, and other gemstones, with coral at the end.

"Your Majesty, I have not yet gone to the Changxin Palace to pay my respects. Please allow me to take my leave, so that I may proceed to the Changxin Palace." Tongxi could hardly wait to leave. After three years, she still felt unable to live within a three-zhang radius of Emperor Tianzheng, finding it difficult to breathe.

Li Mama, who was beside Du Gu Yuan Feng, immediately stepped forward and said: "Your Highness, this noble consort seems to be even more formidable than three years ago. Moreover, she knows so many secrets, and this old servant is afraid..."

"Is the old woman implying that I am inferior to Linghu Tongxi?" Dugu Yuanfeng's gaze was sharp as she looked at Li Momo

"I, a humble servant, do not dare to compare, for your Highness possesses a celestial beauty unmatched by anyone." If one were to speak of the Empress Dowager's shortcomings, it would be her excessive self-regard. At times, she cannot help but become arrogant due to her favored status, yet her heart is not malicious, and her depth of character may not be greater than that of the favored concubine.

Ladies, please rise. I apologize for keeping you waiting today; I trust you are all weary. You may all take your leave now

The moon-white, gold-embroidered, double-layered brocade long-tailed phoenix robe features vividly and splendidly depicted phoenixes on its surface. The tail feathers are entirely woven from colorful silk, appearing radiant like clouds at a distance. The body of the phoenix is adorned with clusters of rubies, threaded with golden silk, and under the sunlight, it resembles a phoenix reborn from the flames, albeit only in semblance. This is because she can only wear the white phoenix robe, while the crimson color symbolizing the status of the empress remains beyond her reach.

Tong Xi felt a weight lift from her heart as he mentioned the Empress Dowager in such a calm tone before her, indicating that he had no intention of bringing up past events. However, she still dared not raise her head, always feeling as if his gaze surrounded her, penetrating to the very core of her being

Tong Xi took a sip of tea, "She wanted to reform the six palaces, but unfortunately, she also wished to leave a good reputation for the Emperor, so she thought of using this palace as a knife."

I, your humble servant, pay my respects to Your Majesty, wishing you long life, long life, and everlasting life. Tong Xi performed the six solemn bows and nine prostrations. Upon hearing the words "Be at ease," I dared to rise and stood with my head bowed at the lower left step.

However, once she returns to the inner palace, it is different; she needs to be informed of those important messages at the earliest possible moment

"Raise your head, my dear concubine, for it has been three years since I last saw you"

Linghu Tongxi entered the grand hall, turned around, and sat on the phoenix chair, while the concubines stepped forward to pay their respects to the noble consort.

Mu Zhaowen then took the maid Yuxiang and departed in the palanquin specially bestowed by the Heavenly Ruler.

Tongxi's calligraphy has indeed improved significantly, but using gold powder as ink is rather extravagant. The sage advocates for diligence and frugality, while the Buddha values sincerity over these superficial luxuries. Is the imperial concubine being excessive?" The dissatisfied voice of Duguyuanfeng came from above. Tongxi did not attempt to defend herself; her return to the palace had already made Duguyuanfeng uncomfortable. By leaving a minor mistake for the Empress Dowager, she could prevent the conflict between them from escalating too much. Tongxi has always been quite skilled at such tricks.

The noble consort's sedan chair departed from the Guangshun Gate and proceeded to the Hanyuan Hall, where the emperor held court during the day. Tongxi took a deep breath, descended from the sedan with the help of the inner eunuch, and stepped into the Hanyuan Hall one step at a time

After the carriage came to a stop, the concubines paid their respects and called out, "We respectfully welcome Your Highness, the Noble Consort, back to the palace"

Mu Zhaowen quickly rubbed his sore legs and stood up, raising his head

Dugu Yuanfeng smiled and said, "There is no need for the matron to worry about that matter. Even if a knife were placed at her throat, she would not dare to speak. If this matter were to leak, it would ruin me, but the Linghu clan would likely not survive. What kind of person is the Emperor? If she posed a threat, would he allow her to remain in this world?"

The two carriages of Long Zhai entered the Changxin Palace, where the Empress Dowager resided, one in front and one behind.

Tong Xi stood up, circled around the phoenix throne, and gently traced her fingers over the reliefs on the backrest carved from white jade, pondering, "This Zhao Fei must be quite interesting." She then sat down again, leaned back, closed her eyes, and greedily inhaled the unique fragrance of the Tonghui Palace. Only her chamber, as a noble consort, was afforded such special treatment with walls made of pepper and clay. However, the phoenix seat was clearly just within reach, yet she could not touch it no matter what.

A sweet and soft voice came from above the crowd, "No need for formalities"

Tong Xi has been sitting on the chair for quite a while, and Aunt Qi Yun has become somewhat anxious, having to remind her: "Your Highness, it is time to pay an audience with His Majesty"