Chapter 2, The Night Raid on Zhaoyang Palace
The Palace City is the residence of royal nobility, while the inner court serves as the sleeping quarters and leisure area for emperors and empresses. The palace towers majestically, with eaves soaring like eagles, pavilions exuding an ancient charm, and flower gardens lined with long corridors. The atmosphere is solemn, with picturesque views at every step and beauty to be found in every corner
He looked at me, grinning foolishly, like a simpleton gazing at a beautiful woman, his eyes fixed on me, with a hint of shyness.
Your Majesty, please wait here for my return; you must not wander off.
Continuing, I poured wine for him continuously; he drank seven or eight cups in one go, and finally became dizzy and lightheaded, resting on the bed with the support of the palace maidens
A faint call can be heard from afar, who is calling me
He was gobbling down his food while serving me dishes, and he was spitting as he criticized the palace maids, which was quite noisy
I stand by the window, listening to the sound of the wind "woo woo", as pure white snowflakes fall from the sky, transforming from grains of salt into large feathers of snow
After a while, Sima Zhong picked up some duck meat to eat. I poured a cup of wine and handed it to him, saying, "It is cold at night, Your Majesty, have some wine to warm yourself."
The cold wind is piercing, cutting like a knife, and the chill penetrates to the bone
I was taken aback and, feeling somewhat displeased, poured a cup of tea and handed it to him
As dusk has not yet arrived, are we to sit on the bed staring blankly at each other with this dull-witted child?
"Are you hungry? Look, I have ordered so much delicious food to be prepared. Will you join me for a meal?" He looked at me with anticipation, his silly tone making the situation feel awkward
He laughed happily and drank it all in one go
"Good, good." Sima Zhong smiled with delight
I smiled and nodded, dining with him.
Suddenly, I felt a faint sound of breathing behind me. Just as I was about to turn around, a voice came through: "I also want to drink tea"
"Alright, I shall wait for you here, so please return quickly." He blinked his eyes and pouted his lips
I do not want to display my disgust on my face, nor do I wish to be looked at by him in such a manner, so I quietly rose and poured myself a cup of tea to drink
Fortunately, the palace attendants changed Sima Zhong's attire to casual clothing and then withdrew in an orderly manner, causing the sleeping chamber to fall silent.
As night falls, I do not wish to return to the Zhaoyang Palace, yet I have no choice but to go back
Fools speak like this, truly quite foolish.
Focusing intently, the sound grew louder, as if it were Sun Hao.
After the elaborate wedding ceremony, I am utterly exhausted and truly wish to lie down and rest for a while
In spring and summer, this palace garden is undoubtedly adorned with a profusion of flowers, resplendent and magnificent; however, during this cold winter season, one can only see snowflakes swirling in the sky, creating a desolate and bleak atmosphere
How did my cousin manage to break into the Zhaoyang Palace
On the evening of the second day, I dined alone, and Sima Zhong did not set foot in the Zhaoyang Palace
I raised my gaze to him, and he stood there in astonishment, as if he were frightened by my cold eyes, causing the duck meat he was holding in his mouth to fall onto the table
I hurriedly escaped from the sleeping quarters, avoiding the watchful eyes of the palace attendants, and wandered around after leaving the Zhaoyang Hall
The white snow reflects the dim yellow light and shadows of the palace city, transforming into enchanting hues
He gulped down his drink and slowly said with a lolling tongue: "I am hungry"
A sudden inspiration struck me, and I said: "Your Majesty, are you hungry? Shall I instruct the palace servants to prepare some pastries for you?"
Oh, I have lost my way
Rong'er ... ... Rong'er ... ...
Sima Zhong was dining, his mouth glistening with oil. Upon seeing me return, he immediately stood up and bounced over to me, asking, "Why did you take so long?"