Chapter 3, The Cold Silk Quilt
In the sleeping chamber, the sound of the dripping water mingles with the continuous sound of wind and rain outside, creating a gloomy and oppressive atmosphere that weaves together a world devoid of hope. Living inevitably cannot transcend this state, as the greater emptiness produced by desire leads to a simultaneous feeling of hatred and an inability to extricate oneself from it.
He did not utter a word, reached out to embrace the most esteemed woman in the world, turned around the sandalwood screen, and gently placed her on the intricately carved ivory bed adorned with embroidered silk.
"Has the governor had a chance to review the proposal from the Ministry of Works?" Below, a eunuch attending the court said, "Last year, the Yellow River changed its course, breaching the dike at Linzhang and flowing southeast into the old channel of Luochuan. At that time, the Ministry of Works was ordered to manage the water, and in just half a year, the reported expenditures have already greatly exceeded the budget..."
"Gentlemen? A teapot without a spout dares to call itself a gentleman, isn't that a bit ridiculous?" Cao Chun'ang replied with a smile that didn't reach his eyes, "Yes, yes, I misspoke." He squeezed his hands together under the umbrella, "The supervisor has given us instructions, and we must follow them; there is no way we can go wrong. As for that... he has been complaining of headaches lately and doesn't return to the residence often. In my opinion, he has everything except for a proper matron. Although we eunuchs are clean-cut, we still consider ourselves men in our hearts. If there is someone who understands the nuances, perhaps his headache will improve. I have heard that the fragrance of a woman can cure all ailments... Hehe, Yan Shaojian should know this best. Don't just take care of yourself; make sure to look after the supervisor too!"
It has become fashionable for prominent eunuchs to adopt godsons, who in turn devote themselves to filial piety towards their adoptive fathers. The adoptive fathers also show affection for their sons, creating a truly harmonious father-son relationship. Xiao Duo also has a godson, whom he recognized last September, a clever child around twelve or thirteen years old. Considering the age difference typical for establishing a family, there is a gap of about ten years between them, making it impossible for him to have raised such a large son. However, in the imperial court, it is different; it is akin to how nobles keep cats or small dogs, with some adoptive fathers calling out affectionately, seeking a lively and pleasing atmosphere. Considering the age difference typical for establishing a family, there is a gap of about ten years between them, making it impossible for him to have raised such a large son. However, in the imperial court, it is different; it is akin to how nobles keep cats or small dogs, with some adoptive fathers calling out affectionately, seeking a lively and pleasing atmosphere.
Everyone has their limits, and a forcibly picked fruit is not sweet; if one is pushed too far, it becomes meaningless to turn against each other. The Empress understands this principle as well. Xiao Duo's obedience is merely superficial; he is no longer the same as before and cannot be easily manipulated any longer
Empress Zhao was a woman of the Han family, who bound her feet from a young age, creating a three-inch golden lotus, truly delicate. Historically, women bound their feet to be pleasing to men, who would caress them ambiguously through cotton socks, the pointed tips and the rounded back resembling a delicate rice dumpling when held in hand
In the midst of speaking, his hand moved to her calf, winding its way upward, leaving her breathless. He still wore a half-serious, half-joking smile, "I am a disabled person; otherwise, I would not have been able to enter the palace. In this appearance on the Empress's embroidery bed, it is a great disrespect to the master. I am just sitting here serving, and it is the same."
Yan Sunlang Nuo Nuo stated, "Your Majesty has only one son, the Prince of Rong. Is the governor to assist the king?"
His ambiguous words left Yan Sunlang completely baffled; even with the people he trusted the most, he never shared his thoughts with them. They did not need to know too much; they only needed to act according to his instructions.
Xiao Duo lifted Ye Sa to sit on the edge of the bed, but did not actually get onto the bed. Instead, his hand reached into the bedding and enveloped her feet in his palms
The queen teased him with her toes, "You come and go freely in my palace, you know how I treat you... After so many times, I have yet to see you take off your clothes. Why not show me today? Perhaps there is still hope!"
The country is to be governed by new leaders, yet it is difficult to express such sentiments openly, as both parties understand each other without words. Yan Sunlang, with a hand on his waist, held the memorial and stepped aside.
Before he finished speaking, Xiao Duo raised his hand to stop him. He stood up and walked to the door, lifting the curtain to look outside. The rain drizzled in, and the cowhide paper on the lantern had become damp, faintly revealing the flickering candlelight within. It was indeed cold, as if it were mid-winter, with breath forming clouds. He rubbed the back of his hands and said in a prolonged tone, "If the sun doesn't come out soon, the deficit in flood control will likely grow even larger. In any case, this is not our concern; it is the responsibility of the Chief Minister of the Cabinet. After all, we are inner court officials, and with the Emperor's health in jeopardy, the most pressing matter is still his well-being!" He continued in a prolonged tone, "If the sun doesn't come out soon, the deficit in flood control will likely grow even larger. In any case, this is not our concern; it is the responsibility of the Chief Minister of the Cabinet. After all, we are inner court officials, and with the Emperor's health in jeopardy, the most pressing matter is still his well-being!" He ordered the other eleven offices to ensure that the guards were not dismissed in the next few days, as there might be an imperial edict at any moment. "I have a headache, so I won't say much more. I still need to return to the Eastern Depot for a while," he added with a sigh. "Sunlang, follow me; I have something to discuss."
Yan Sunlang responded, "Rest assured, Supervisor, this matter has already been in preparation today. The late emperor buried sixty-eight individuals; we cannot bypass the order in this generation. We tentatively plan for sixty individuals, and I will present the roster for your review at that time. Any additions or deletions will be at your discretion."
He made a sound of acknowledgment, raised his hand to adjust the gilded collar of his cloak, and said indifferently: "In the past, there have always been established rules for burials, regarding the rank and number of people involved; you know this without me having to say it. Things must be done beautifully, just right, to avoid any mishaps. I was thinking of taking a break the other day, but it seems that is no longer possible. The red approvals are short on this end, and we must also take care of the factory guards on the other end. At this moment, there are more restless people than usual; the information we sent out has returned with a truckload of news. If we don't take a few as rafts, the Eastern Factory will be seen as just a bureaucratic office that does nothing." I was thinking of taking a break the other day, but it seems that is no longer possible. The red approvals are short on this end, and we must also take care of the factory guards on the other end. At this moment, there are more restless people than usual; the information we sent out has returned with a truckload of news. If we don't take a few as rafts, the Eastern Factory will be seen as just a bureaucratic office that does nothing.
Inside the Zhengshun Gate, it is guarded by eunuchs, and across the street, the Jinyiwei are stationed. Xiao Duo holds a prominent position, and the inner officials hurriedly drop their keys upon seeing him approach from a distance. Yan Sunlang watched that figure gracefully exit the Liuli Gate, then turned to Cao Chunang and asked, "What have you discerned?"
The seal of the Eastern Depot has always been associated with scheming against others. Regardless of their rank, officials in the court tremble in fear at the mere mention of the Eastern Depot. The sudden caution exhibited by the supervisor has left those beneath him feeling perplexed.
Human beings possess seven emotions and six desires, which cannot be transcended but must be allowed to enslave them. The empress, in a certain sense, is a pitiable figure, having not seen the emperor for several months, young and alone in an empty chamber, naturally shedding tears of bitterness. Since the door is impassable, one must climb through the window. Thus, she devised another way to amuse herself by teasing and joking with the eunuchs, finding great pleasure in it.
His face stiffened, "Your Highness is the most compassionate, how could you bear to expose a subject's scars? This sorrowful place is revealed before you, my shame is secondary, but I have disturbed your good mood; to receive another blow would not be excessive."
He furrowed his brows and soaked his hands in the basin, scrubbing vigorously, repeating the process of washing his hands over and over again until his fingers turned red before he finally stopped. Those around him were aware of his habits and stood silently by, waiting for him to dry his hands, calm his mind, and then slowly return to the matter at hand.
He did not respond to him, and Cao Chun'ang cleverly moved behind him. The people who specialized in massage for the emperor were quite skilled in their service. With their fists loosely gathered, they worked around the shoulders and neck, delivering a crisp and lively five-flower punch.
He donned a flowing cloud cloak and stepped out the door, this time without anyone accompanying him, only Cao Chun'ang standing by with an oil umbrella in attendance. Yan Sunlang hurriedly followed, only to hear him say: "Gather the roster of the five sites in Qianxi, as those who are to be buried with the deceased must set out on the same day; we must not be flustered and at a loss when the time comes."
Yan Sunlang cast him a glance, thinking that the young lad understood nothing. No matter how proud a person may be, it is difficult to feel good when reminded of one's own disability. It is easy to find a woman, but one must first overcome this personal hurdle. Constantly reminded of the missing piece below, it would be one thing if he were shameless, but someone as sensitive and meticulous as him might have unpredictable thoughts. To offer him a woman, who would dare to touch that bad luck!
Yan Sunlang slapped him on the back of the head and said, "You little brat, is this what you mean?"
The Eastern Depot was directly commissioned by the Emperor, lurking everywhere to monitor the actions of officials across the regions. For instance, there was an occasion when several deputy officials and gentlemen from the Zhan Shi Fu were gambling; the previous night’s wins and losses were revealed the next day in a light-hearted conversation by the Emperor, which terrified the civil and military officials into silence. While a great calamity may strike head-on, it is this constant fear of being watched that truly chills the heart. As the Emperor lay gravely ill, the operations of the Eastern Depot could not cease; the more critical the situation, the more the atmosphere was fraught with tension. Yan Sunlang was his trusted confidant, aware of his ruthless methods; otherwise, he would not have been able to occupy this position at such a young age. Once in charge of the Eastern Depot, it was a lifetime commitment. Such power could not be relinquished; having made so many enemies, stepping down would mean the end of one’s life.
Cao Chun'ang sniffed, raised his face, and smiled, saying: "The supervisor means to advise you not to focus solely on making money and finding the right food; at the very least, do not leave any evidence that could be used against you."
At the hour of Xu, Xiao Duo had just stepped out of Kun Ning Palace, with the wind lanterns illuminating above him. He appeared neat and composed, not a single strand of hair out of place. He was a prominent figure among the eunuchs, firmly seated in the head position of the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs, where he was a servant in front of his master, yet loomed large as a master in front of the other servants. As soon as he crossed the threshold, a group of people was waiting for him; upon seeing him appear, they opened their umbrellas and approached to serve him, respectfully ushering him into the eastern wing.
"What a pity for such a capable person; if he were fully bearded and eyed, he would surely captivate countless women!" She closed her eyes and sighed wistfully, "We are all pitiful souls, let us just keep each other company!" Suddenly opening her eyes, she lunged forward, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him down, her face blooming like spring, whispering in a dreamy manner, "I know you are unwilling to take off your clothes; if you don't want to, then don't! Just lie down for a while and say a few heart-stirring words, that would be enough for me."
He settled into the high chair, following the usual custom, with a basin of hot soup made of brass and gold in front of him, while two young eunuchs stood by his side, one holding a towel and comb, and the other carrying a spoon
"Godfather, would you like some tea?" Cao Chun'ang bent at the waist and presented a jade tea cup shaped like a chrysanthemum petal. Noticing that his godfather's expression was not good, he cautiously asked, "Godfather, you have been working hard these past few days, would you like me to give you a massage?"
His caution caused a few scribes and those present to feel a jolt in their hearts. The group exchanged glances and leaned forward, saying: "What the supervisor has said truly makes us feel anxious. Could it be that there are some unforeseen changes?"
"Hold on." He pinched his temples, "What I said earlier was merely to stabilize the morale of the troops. Those ministers who are entrusted with the emperor's orders can kill with their tongues even without drawing swords. If the emperor could speak and approve it, then so be it. But right now, he can't even utter a word; who would dare to make a move? If things go awry, it could lead to serious consequences. There are rumors in the streets calling me 'the one who establishes the emperor.' Where did this come from? I've already sent people from the Eastern Depot to investigate. With such a heavy accusation hanging over me, if there is a reckoning in the autumn, a few lives wouldn't be enough to pay for it."
These past two days have been quite chaotic, with numerous matters at hand, leaving me feeling sore all over. The Empress took off her outer robe and changed into a light blue collared inner garment. This year, spring arrived early, and according to the seasonal calendar, it should be a warm time; yet, for some reason, a late spring chill has come. As night fell, the palace felt desolate, and there was an ever-present sense of coldness. She climbed onto the bed, leaning against the inlaid cabinet on the inner side, half-covering herself with the sandalwood-colored quilt adorned with gold patterns, and cast him a faint smile, saying, "It’s terribly cold today; come up and warm me up!"
The people of the Eastern Depot cannot enter the palace; even when the Emperor is in the presence of esteemed guests, it still requires the efforts of the Grand Court of Ceremonial. As soon as the death knell tolls, someone will be dispatched to guard all the gates of the Chengqian Palace, prohibiting anyone from entering or leaving; at that time, I will have my reasons. Upon reaching the front of the Yanhe Gate, he halted his steps, took the oil umbrella from Cao Chunang's hands, instructed them to return, and proceeded alone to the Zhengshun Gate.
He held a lantern in one hand and walked slowly forward, glancing at him with a slight turn of his head as he spoke. The dim firelight illuminated half of his face, appearing both as pure as spring snow and as cold as ice. His oil boots splashed through the puddles, and the crimson hem of his garment lifted in a series of arcs. The python's head, embroidered with golden threads on his knee, looked fierce, yet he smiled gently and said, "Supporting the king? That idea is quite good; perhaps I can take this opportunity to clear my name. It's just a pity that my reputation is too tarnished; I will never be able to be a good person in this lifetime."
He always maintains a somewhat distant demeanor, which does not please the Empress. She tugged at the tassels under his chin and reproached him, saying: "Aren't you my good servant? Do you dare to disregard your master's words?"
At the moment he was resting with his eyes closed, the eunuch Yan Sunlang, holding the drafts from the six ministries, whispered: "The proposals from the cabinet have already been submitted. The Emperor is currently gravely ill. According to the supervisor, this batch of matters regarding the red..."
Xiao Duo knew that these people had grown accustomed to wielding power and influence, and suddenly pulling the rug out from under them would leave them disoriented. He slowly counted the beeswax prayer beads in his hand, murmuring as he counted: "In these troubled times, it is better to remain vigilant. The Emperor's illness... as for what lies ahead, no one can say for certain"
As for what he referred to as handling it beautifully, it naturally pertains to the dynamics within the imperial harem. With the emperor's passing, a large group of women would face misfortune, and those with quick wits would not sit idly by. They would seek connections through back channels, whether it involved accepting money or engaging in personal favors. While it cannot be said that everything is handled with complete impartiality, at the very least, there must be a plausible explanation on the surface. Once this matter is settled, it becomes easier to allocate positions to fill those who should not have perished. Balancing both sides and covering it up allows the task to be accomplished. Once this matter is settled, it becomes easier to allocate positions to fill those who should not have perished. Balancing both sides and covering it up allows the task to be accomplished.