Chapter 3, gazing alone at the cold palace walls

The catkins in Lingzhou City are as white as snow, truly covering the streets.

"Evening, dear." Zhou Junyi held Bai Wanlu's hand, hoping that this would provide her with some sense of security. However, in her dreams, Bai Wanlu silently shed a tear that slipped from the corner of her eye to her ear.

Liu Xiaoyun poured a basin of water in the courtyard and asked, "General Gu, what does this mean?"

Do you still know that she is this one's favored concubine! Even if this one's favored concubine falls into the lake, shouldn't you report it to this one first?" Zhou Junyi was poised to act, with anger filling her entire face

Zhou Junyi lazily sat in front of the desk, looking at Zhou Yueling standing before him, and asked: "Fourth brother, where did you just go?"

Zhou Junyi lowered her gaze and said: "You fell into the lake due to excessive sorrow, and Zhou Yueling was by your side, saving you and taking you to the residence of the Fourth Prince"

Ancheng wiped away her tears and rose to take her leave

"I fear that Your Majesty's intentions are not as such, are they?" Liu Xiaoyun inquired

I understand, but there is still a long way to go; one day you will have different thoughts

Perhaps it is something that stirs the heart. Ancheng smiled, but the innocence of the past was no longer present in today's smile

"Your Highness, Brother..." An Cheng crawled over on his knees, tugging at Zhou Junyi's pant leg, pleading, "Your Highness, Brother, please do not treat An Cheng this way. An Cheng knows he was wrong. Your Highness is all alone now, and An Cheng understands that you are very lonely. An Cheng does not want to leave you..."

"Sister Yun, do you think it is necessary to discuss serious matters with someone who does not trust you?" Bai Wanlu walked down the steps and approached Zhou Yueling, looking up and asking, "Is it possible, Your Highness the Fourth Prince?"

Saying this, he took Wang Qiu away. Wang Qiu, unwilling, asked: "Sixth Brother, are we leaving just like this? Aren't we going to see Sister Bai?"

"Fourth Prince, what brings you here?" Bai Wanlu responded coldly

"It doesn't matter, you may go ahead," said Zhou Yueling.

"Your Highness, Your Highness..." The small house was so frightened that its legs went weak, and it knelt down, saying, "This, Mother... Mother, she..."

Send Bai Wanlu and her maid to the cold palace! They are not allowed to take anything! Since she likes the cold palace so much, let her fend for herself inside!

Zhou Yueling asked: "Late Concubine, have you never considered reconciling with Prince Wang? Staying in the Cold Palace like this is not a solution."

"Sister Bai." An Cheng approached with several attendants, who were carrying some daily necessities. An Cheng walked over and said to Bai Wanlu, "Sister Bai, the Cold Palace is empty; without these items, how can one live?"

Perhaps that day was the happiest day for Zhou Yueling, as she did nothing but quietly stroll and discuss topics that were not particularly cheerful

"This king only wishes to take a glance, is even a glance not permissible?" asked Zhou Jingyuan

Zhou Junyi took a step back, staring at the resolute woman kneeling before him. He suppressed his sorrow and said insincerely: "Alright, since you are so eager to reside in the Cold Palace, I shall grant your wish."

"Wan'er, let's go." Liu Xiaoyun reminded Bai Wanlu that even though Shumei is now insane, it is best not to get too close to her

Yes, Princess

Zhou Yueling remained silent, implying agreement

Zhou Junyi pondered for a moment, stood up, walked to Zhou Yueling's side, and said to the small house: "Small house, my fourth brother has two merits today: one is to protect the lonely imperial concubine, and the other is to care for the lonely imperial concubine. Please send the Fourth Prince back, and there will be generous rewards."

At this moment, Xiaoling arrived at the palace and stood at the entrance of the palace.

Zhou Yueling paused, facing Bai Wanlu, and said: "No, that is not what I mean. Lady Wan, you are a very intelligent person, you should know that some people are suitable to rely on, while others are not suitable to rely on"

Zhou Junyi's actions in this instance have caused great dissatisfaction among the officials of the court

"You are not wrong in what you say, so do you not intend to consider yourself at all?" Zhou Yueling's words carried a deeper meaning

Bai Wanlu looked up at the still beautiful sky, a faint smile on her face: "Fourth Prince, my little sparrows say that the willows in Lingzhou City are in full bloom along the roads. Could you take me to see them?"

Rushing straight to Zhou Yueling's room, Zhou Junyi was momentarily stunned at the sight of such an intimate scene before him

Bai Wanlu stood on a stone bridge, enjoying the sensation of the cool breeze against her face. She turned to Zhou Yueling and said, "I will go procure some items, Fourth Prince, I trouble you to wait here for a moment."

"The words I have spoken will never be retracted," Bai Wanlu said, sitting up straight with an expression of indifference

"The sovereign has sent someone to guard this place to ensure the safety of the empress," Gu Ying said

Zhou Junyi helped Ancheng up, sighed, and said: "Ancheng, you just need to be a good princess, and my brother will continue to treat you as he always has. There are some matters that you should not get involved in, so go back, I am fine."

"Do you think I am making a fuss?" Bai Wanlu asked coldly

Zhou Yueling guessed the reason why Zhou Junyi was looking for him, so he went directly to Zhou Junyi's palace.

On the bed in the sleeping chamber, Bai Wanlu remained soundly asleep. In her dreams, she was extremely restless, constantly furrowing her brows and occasionally murmuring the name of Feng'er.

The guard exchanged a difficult glance and said, "Your Highness the Sixth Prince, please return."

"Wan'er, why are you with Lao Si?" Zhou Junyi asked

Unexpectedly, San Ge has already reached this point; is it not permissible for others to visit Bai Wanlu? Zhou Jingyuan thought to himself

He called her Wan'er, and Bai Wanlu did not refuse this address

Zhou Yueling no longer paid attention to him, and the beggar elder sighed, slowly descending the bridge. The beggar elder walked towards Bai Wanlu, who called out to him and took out some silver coins from her pocket: "Old man, here are some silver coins for you, go buy something to eat."

"Go back." Zhou Jingyuan did not provide any other response

Bai Wanlu could tell. She raised her eyes, met Zhou Yueling's gaze, and said: "The Fourth Prince has asked Wan'er to make some plans. Perhaps the people I rely on now are not reliable enough, and I need to think carefully about finding a new place, right?"

Zhou Junyi, filled with indignation, shook his sleeves and said: "I give you one chance, take back what you just said!"

After Zhou Yueling was sent away by the small house, An Cheng, who had been standing nearby, walked over and asked in confusion: "Brother Junshang, clearly Fourth Brother has bullied you to this extent, why do you still want to reward him?"

Zhou Yueling said: "As long as you are willing, I can take you anywhere"

Zhou Yueling said lightly: "I know, the Fourth Brother rescued the Late Concubine Wan from the lake, and in order to facilitate her care, he brought her to his residence"

Bai Wanlu stood up, walked to the small house, and said: "Thank you for your hard work, Master Fang."

Zhou Junyi leaned back in his chair and let out a long sigh. ... This battle, it is uncertain how long it will last, and how long his Wan'er can endure ...

You... you clearly know that I am unwilling

Zhou Junyi wiped away the tears of Bai Wanlu, who was just waking up at that moment

"I went to Lingzhou City," Zhou Yueling answered honestly

Yes, the Cold Palace is lacking in supplies, and Consort Wan needs to purchase some items, so I have entrusted my subordinate to escort her out of the palace

Silence engulfed the vast palace, becoming uncontrollable. Bai Wanlu slowly rose from the bed and stepped down. She gathered her sleeves and approached Zhou Junyi, kneeling behind him and bowing her head: "I, Bai Wanlu, have harbored ulterior motives and have shown disrespect to Your Majesty. I humbly request to be sent to the Cold Palace to spend the remainder of my life there"

Bai Wanlu hung the money pouch on her waist belt and bowed to Zhou Yueling, saying, "Thank you for your trouble, Fourth Prince"

At that moment, Zhou Junyi stormed into the residence of the Fourth Prince in a fit of rage. The steward of the Fourth Prince's residence tried to stop Zhou Junyi, but Zhou Junyi declared, "Whoever dares to stop me will be executed!" This statement left them all in shock.

Bai Wanlu brushed past him and said: "For Wan'er, there are only two people in this world that she can truly rely on, one is Sister Yun, and the other is myself. Everyone else can betray me, but Sister Yun and I will not. I have now made my choice and found the person I can depend on, so I will not seek another. Fourth Prince, do you understand?"

Bai Wanlu clenched his fists in anger, the death of Feng'er? He still wants to bring up Feng'er's death!

Zhou Junyi nodded and asked, "Then why did the fourth brother appear in Wan'er’s cold palace? Was he just taking a walk and accidentally wandered over?"

Bai Wanlu turned and left, entering several shops to pick out some items that she and Liu Xiaoyun needed. On her way back, she saw an old beggar who, noticing Zhou Yueling dressed in fine clothes, reached out to ask him for some coins to buy food

Zhou Junyi clenched his fist, then relaxed it after a moment, walking over while saying: "Fourth brother saved my Wan'er, and I am immensely grateful. Tomorrow at the morning court, I will certainly reward Fourth brother well. I have been busy with state affairs and neglected this matter for a moment. I should have apologized to Wan'er when she woke up. However, now I must take Wan'er away to prevent others from spreading rumors that Fourth brother has any ill intentions towards my Wan'er. This would not be beneficial for Fourth brother."

The fallen leaves rustle, how much wind and frost there are

Zhou Jingyuan ceased his actions and nodded slightly: "Very well then"

It was a desolate courtyard, with abandoned wells covered in cobwebs and the ground thick with dust

Saying this, he left with Bai Wanlu. Zhou Yueling remained seated sideways on the bed, her hands clenched into fists resting on her knees, as if she were trying to suppress something with great effort

Zhou Yueling further stated: "It is a bird that took the minister's younger brother over."

Indeed, that man, no matter how detestable he may be, is still a sovereign, standing under the heavens and treading upon the earth, with power that surpasses all. And what of Zhou Yueling? He is merely a humble and pitiful creature, secretly plotting everything, digging three feet into the ground in search of a faint glimmer of light. Ultimately, he cannot compare to him. He needs time, he needs a plan. One day, he will sit in the position of Zhou Junyi and trample him underfoot.

Bai Wanlu let out a cold laugh and said, "Are you referring to everyone other than oneself as untrustworthy? In this world, apart from oneself, no one can be relied upon for the long term. The Fourth Prince should understand this principle"

"Why are you still not going!" Zhou Junyi said

The curtains have been changed to gold, and instead of the soaring dragon, they are embroidered with birds in red thread. The window is not closed, and the wind flows in, gently stirring the curtains. The candlelight flickers within the lampshade, casting a dim and pale glow.

However, the true reason why Lord Zhou Junyi stationed guards in the cold palace of Bai Wanlu is known only to him.

Zhou Yueling, while helping Bai Wanlu wipe the sweat, said: "You are a unique person, you should not come to this royal city, nor should you become Zhou Junyi's woman"

"Yes," said the small house.

Ancheng held Bai Wanlu's hand closely and said: "Sister Bai, what happened between you and Brother Jun? Please tell Ancheng, and I will think of a way for you. Brother Jun likes Sister Bai the most..."

"Alright, I shall take my leave now." Bai Wanlu smiled and walked towards Zhou Yueling.

Inside. As soon as Liu Xiaoyun finished speaking, Bai Wanlu opened the door to the room and walked out

"What is the Fourth Prince not at ease about? If this is not clarified, I fear I will not be able to clear my name once this is spread." Bai Wanlu said calmly

"Your Majesty, do you think that after Wan'er is heartbroken, she refuses Your Majesty's comfort and turns to embrace the Fourth Prince? Is that what it means?" Bai Wanlu asked, her tears sliding down her cheeks as she spoke with a trembling voice

Bai Wanlu's vision quickly became blurred. What does Zhou Junyi mean? Is he doubting her fidelity? He does not realize that such suspicion is more painful for her than death itself

He paused for a moment, lifted the blanket covering Bai Wanlu, helped her sit up, and let her lean against him. Then, Zhou Yueling wrapped both himself and Bai Wanlu in the blanket, holding her close within it, hoping that this would provide her with some warmth

Zhou Yueling walked in, and in the courtyard, only Liu Xiaoyun was sweeping the ground. Upon seeing Zhou Yueling arrive, Liu Xiaoyun was momentarily taken aback, put down the broom, and walked over to pay her respects: "I have met the Fourth Prince"

Thank you to the princess. Bai Wanlu turned to the side, allowing the servants to carry the items inside

Zhou Yueling took Bai Wanlu away, and the moment of departure was witnessed by Ancheng

Oh? Hehehe, this is fun. Shu Mei, not knowing where she came from, curiously observed the person who had moved into the cold palace while hiding under the palace wall

Zhou Yueling pulled the quilt up, firmly covering Bai Wanlu's body, yet Bai Wanlu seemed to still be shivering, murmuring: "Cold... so cold..."

Zhou Junyi stood up, turned his back to Bai Wanlu, and said with a gloomy expression: "I do not wish to discuss this topic any further"

Cold ... ... '' Bai Wanlu murmured.

"Wait a moment." Liu Xiaoyun interjected, "If you go out now, it will only make matters worse."

However, there are already two guards stationed at the entrance of the Cold Palace, and they stopped Zhou Jingyuan.

As she spoke, Bai Wanlu entered the Cold Palace, and Liu Xiaoyun followed her inside

After Bai Wanlu left with the small house, Zhou Junyi slowly turned around, gazing at the entrance of the palace, his brow furrowed in worry, with an inscrutable depth hidden in his eyes

Indeed, Liu Xiaoyun ultimately gave up and went inside to retrieve the money pouch

Xiaoling is foolish and does not understand

Gu Ying let out a deep sigh and walked towards Liu Xiaoyun, saying: "In any case, it is for the good of the late noble consort. Miss Liu, although the Emperor has superficially relegated the consort to the cold palace, he is still genuinely concerned for her in his heart. If the consort needs anything, or if you need anything, please send a message to me via a flying bird, and I will certainly take care of it."

Ancheng feigned panic and said: "Xiaoling also saw it, there can be no mistake. It seems that Sister Bai fainted, and it was the Fourth Prince who saved her. It appears that he took her towards the Fourth Prince's residence."

and the late noble consort

"Does San Ge also know that she is your favored concubine? Then why were you not by her side when she fell into the lake and nearly drowned?" Zhou Yueling retorted, her words calm, yet each one pierced Zhou Junyi's heart like a sharp dagger.

Zhou Yueling looked at the items that Bai Wanlu was carrying and said, "Let me help you with that"

"Bold! This is the Sixth Prince!" Wang Qiu pointed at Zhou Jingyuan and said to the guards

Ancheng said: "Although Your Highness's elder brother said that he cannot give anything to Sister Bai, that was just a moment of anger from Your Highness's elder brother. Look, Ancheng has come to deliver something to Sister Bai, Your Highness's elder brother will not disallow it."

Bai Wanlu handed the item to Zhou Yueling, who took her along the long road covered with poplar catkins

Zhou Junyi's eyes were cold and dangerous, and he sneered, "Oh? With my evening?"

"Come here!" Zhou Junyi said angrily

However, Zhou Yueling seemed to know the reason behind it

If the Fourth Prince is to come as a mediator, then I must take my leave first. Bai Wanlu did not wish to discuss this topic.

"Do birds deliver messages here?" Liu Xiaoyun turned to look at the gray, overcast sky and said, "In this cold palace, what birds could there be? All that exists is boundless cold and loneliness. General Gu, rest assured, with me here, the late Concubine Gui will certainly be safe."

Gu Ying bowed to Liu Xiaoyun's back and left the Cold Palace

Where is your master?

As Bai Wanlu was about to step into the cold palace courtyard, she paused and turned her head to look at Shumei, who was dressed in tattered clothes and had unkempt hair, staring blankly at Bai Wanlu

Those two guards are people of Gu Ying

Ancheng walked over, took the flower porridge from Xiaoling's hands, and said: "Since that's the case, let's not think about these troublesome matters anymore. Brother Junshang, here, this is the flower porridge that Ancheng specifically instructed the imperial kitchen to prepare for you. Please have a taste."

"Do you know why I am sad? Besides the death of Feng Er," Zhou Junyi asked her with a troubled expression.

One evening, as dusk fell, a crow flew slowly towards the setting sun, emitting a mournful cry. Zhou Yueling walked to the cold palace where Bai Wanlu was located and saw Zhou Junyi standing under the tree outside the door, looking up at the tree as if he could see someone inside it

The guard said with difficulty: "Your Highness the Sixth Prince, the Emperor has issued an order that no one is allowed to enter, so please do not make it difficult for us."

"No need, Ancheng," Bai Wanlu said lightly as she pushed Ancheng's hand away. "The Cold Palace is not a place to linger; please return, Your Highness."

"Zhou Yueling, do you know what you are doing?" Zhou Junyi's tone was eerie

Zhou Junyi sighed and said, "Wan'er, stop making a fuss. You are making me very sad."

Zhou Junyi widened his eyes, quickly turned around, raised his hand, and pointed at Bai Wanlu, his entire hand trembling. He looked at Bai Wanlu in disbelief and asked, "You... what did you say?"

Today, not only did Zhou Junyi not get angry, but he also praised him for such behavior, which caused a sense of indignation within him

Through tear-filled eyes, she saw Zhou Junyi, while Bai Wanlu turned her back to him

I apologize for taking the liberty of bringing you to the residence of the Fourth Prince when I helped you up, as I did not dare to entrust you to anyone else after your argument with Wang Xiong. Zhou Yueling spoke these words sincerely; he could feign with anyone, but he wished to be honest with Bai Wanlu.

Hmm. Bai Wanlu nodded slightly, just as she was about to enter, a voice from behind her called out.

After returning Bai Wanlu to the Cold Palace, the small house found Zhou Yueling, who was about to return to the residence, and said to him: "Fourth Prince, His Majesty requests your presence"

"Your Highness, Brother..." An Cheng was in tears, fearing that he would truly no longer pay her any attention

Zhou Yueling looked at the carved wooden fan, paused for a moment, and then slowly took it from her hand. He looked at her and said earnestly: "Thank you, Wan'er"

However, upon hearing these words, Zhou Yueling was momentarily taken aback, and then her brows furrowed deeply. Zhou Yueling understood very well that the tactics employed by Zhou Junyi were intended to provoke her. This was because Zhou Junyi was fully aware that if she were to become enraged, it would play right into Zhou Yueling's hands.

The little house stumbled in, trembling as it said: "Your Excellency... Your Excellency."

Not seeing Bai Wanlu, Wang Qiu felt like a deflated balloon

Although Ancheng felt a sense of reluctance on the surface, deep down, she was happier than anyone else. After all, Bai Wanlu's demotion to the cold palace was largely due to her efforts as the princess of Ancheng. Ancheng glanced at Shumei and then turned around, holding her head high as she said: "Xiaoling, let's go back"

"Ancheng." Zhou Junyi said indifferently, "You have had quite a hard time these past few days. If there is nothing urgent, please refrain from coming to my palace. I prefer tranquility."

As he spoke, Zhou Junyi reached out to lift Bai Wanlu and turned to say: "Fourth brother, sit tight, no need to see us off"

The beggar elder stared at the broken silver coins lying in his palm, momentarily at a loss for words, "This, this..."

"What are you saying? Lao Si and Wan Er are together?" Zhou Junyi suddenly stood up from the chair, staring at An Cheng

Bai Wanlu continued to kneel and said: "I, Bai Wanlu, have harbored dual intentions and have shown disrespect to Your Majesty. I humbly request to be sent to the Cold Palace to conclude the remainder of my life."

In the residence of the Fourth Prince, Zhou Yueling did not do anything to Bai Wanlu. Bai Wanlu lay in bed, her brows tightly furrowed, continuously murmuring something in her sleep, but Zhou Yueling could not hear it clearly

Upon hearing this, An Cheng was so frightened that he quickly knelt down and said: "Your Highness, Brother! An Cheng... An Cheng does not dare, An Cheng does not dare at all"

Zhou Yueling glanced around the environment of the cold palace and said, "I am not very at ease, so I came to see you"

"No need to see you off, General Gu." Liu Xiaoyun still did not turn around.

This ... ... small house is perplexing, and in the end, I can only sigh, "Alas, Your Highness, please come with your servant."

Zhou Junyi said: "If it were someone else, it would be fine, but why is it Zhou Yueling?"

On the second day after Zhou Yueling took Bai Wanlu out, he instructed Gu Ying to send someone to guard the Cold Palace, allowing no one to enter.

Zhou Junyi gazed intently at the flower porridge placed on the writing desk. After a moment, he softly inquired, "Flower porridge? Is there any similarity in essence with the silver ear and lotus seed soup?"

After a long while, Liu Xiaoyun slowly turned around, her face filled with melancholy.

Uncertain how much time had passed, the small house accompanied Zhou Junyi as it departed. Zhou Yueling then walked out and stood at the broken palace gate, observing the scene within.

Upon seeing Zhou Junyi's sudden arrival, Zhou Yueling did not panic. Instead, she slowly set Bai Wanlu down and covered her body properly with the blanket, not raising her head as she said, "Is Third Brother here?"

Bai Wanlu got up and stared at him: "With Zhou Yueling?"

Then I will quietly await the arrival of that day. Bai Wanlu extended her hand, revealing a wooden carved folding fan in her palm. She said, "Although it is not a precious gift, thank you for taking me out today"

Damn it! Zhou Junyi, furious, overturned the writing utensils on the table and stormed out.

Zhou Yueling shook her sleeves and wore a look of disgust, saying: "Step aside, I have nothing to give you"

Zhou Junyi felt a hint of vigilance in his heart. From Zhou Yueling's words, it seemed that he already knew about Bai Wanlu's ability to understand the language of a hundred birds

Bai Wanlu forced a smile, tears in her eyes, and said: "Your Majesty, do you know what Wan'er is feeling at this moment? It is like being cut into a thousand pieces, sprinkled with white salt, and sealed beneath the coldest ice. You may argue with Wan'er, but you should not doubt Wan'er... should not insult Wan'er..."

The woman in his arms slowly ceased her murmurs, and Zhou Yueling allowed her to lean against him, feeling her breath so close that, for a moment, he was slightly distracted by his emotions.

Bai Wanlu turned to face Liu Xiaoyun and said: "Sister Yun, please take out the money pouch from my bundle; I need to buy some additional items. I came to the Cold Palace to avoid certain individuals, but that does not mean I intend to just survive here without any support"

After Bai Wanlu was placed in the cold palace, Zhou Jingyuan and Wang Qiu went to see her for the first time.

Your Majesty, are you implying something in your words? Bai Wanlu forced herself to remain calm and asked

Yes, it is! The small house is stumbling along the way

For several consecutive days, Lord Zhou Junyi had not attended the morning court. A servant entered the sleeping quarters to assist Zhou Junyi with changing clothes. Zhou Junyi turned over and said: "I have been very tired these days, so I will not attend the morning court."

Gu Ying knew that he could not say too much at this moment, so he frowned and simply said: "Miss Liu, take care, I... am leaving"

Bai Wanlu glanced at the items being carried by the servants, but did not say a word

With whom

Seeing Zhou Junyi like this, An Cheng had a look of amusement on her face. She asked, "Xiaoling, what do you think the Crown Prince will find at the Fourth Prince's residence?"

You do not understand. Zhou Junyi sat back down at the desk

On that day, Zhou Yueling brought Bai Wanlu out of the cold palace, and then took her back in from outside

In the inner chamber, besides Zhou Junyi, there is also An Cheng.

This is sufficient, he is already very happy

What should I do? Zhou Yueling glanced around and found nothing to keep warm.

"Go back." Zhou Junyi sat back down on the pear blossom chair, wearily rubbing his brow.

The Cold Palace is the most desolate place in the royal city, devoid of any vegetation and life. Here, one cannot see any light; what awaits the master of the Cold Palace is only darkness and solitude

That day, as soon as I had arranged for the two individuals to be placed in the cold palace, I was seen by Liu Xiaoyun

Bai Wanlu was moved to the cold palace, and Zhou Junyi became indifferent to state affairs

"Young master, please do me a favor; I haven't eaten for several days," pleaded the old beggar.