Chapter 001: Blossoms

Among the royal family, the emperor's several brothers sat at the front, yet during this grand New Year celebration, the princes displayed no signs of joy on their faces

Even a ruler as resolute as the Emperor must consider matters thoroughly. Keeping her in the palace, regardless of the truth, would lead outsiders to believe that her father sacrificed his own daughter to curry favor with the Emperor. Moreover, the Emperor has gone to great lengths to maintain appearances, frequently bestowing rare and precious treasures upon her.

Rong Hai did not expect him to ask this. With a smile on his face, he respectfully said: "In response to Your Majesty, it is indeed getting windy outside. The Astronomical Bureau has also reported that there will be a heavy snowfall tomorrow, on the first day of the New Year."

After getting dressed, Rong Hai signaled to the young eunuch who had just brought him his clothes to follow him out. The young eunuch did not dare to ask any further questions and simply followed along.

However, the palace maid beside her could not help but say: "Your Highness, why not invite Eunuch Xuanrong in? It is possible that the Emperor may come today."

When the emperor raised his wine cup and spoke a few words of congratulation, everyone stood up and shouted "Long live the emperor," and the atmosphere finally became somewhat lively

Once the chill on the emperor dissipated, a faint scent of alcohol also emerged from him

Rong Hai did not dare to defend himself and crawled out in a hurry.

Before long, a commotion erupted outside, accompanied by the announcement of the eunuchs. The Emperor entered, exuding an aura of coldness. He glanced down at Rong Hai and quietly reprimanded, "Get out."

Although she and the Third Young Master were married in name, they had never shared the reality of a marital relationship. However, after his passing, she was still labeled as a husband-killer.

Such gentle and heartfelt words, spoken from the lips of such a profound individual, always move people deeply

It is about to get cold, the Emperor said

The palace maid in the Hall of Yuan glanced at her mistress, and after a moment, she nodded. The maid did not dare to delay any longer and quickly exited the inner hall. In the vast palace, only the two of them stood facing each other.

Shen Changle expressed her gratitude for the Emperor's concern, but there was no further discussion. She had always been indifferent to such matters, as these were merely superficial gestures made by the Emperor. If she were to genuinely invest her feelings, it would ultimately lead to her own heartache in the future

On New Year's Eve, the grand and magnificent palace is concealed in the night. However, the bright candlelight burning around illuminates the entire palace, making it as resplendent as in broad daylight. The imperial banquet is set in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, with the emperor clad in a bright yellow dragon robe seated at the highest position, while to his left front sits the empress dowager in splendid attire

The young eunuch walked ahead, and the hexagonal palace lanterns were swayed by the cold wind, struggling for a while before the lights inside were extinguished. Fortunately, the lantern pavilions on both sides of the palace walls had already been replenished with oil, illuminating the path beside the road.

Rong Hai caught sight of his bright eyes, smiled softly, and then moved forward, wrapping his cloak around him. Now, not only has the ruler of the world changed, but even the winds within the palace have shifted. Previously, the palace maids and eunuchs would go to great lengths, even risking injury, to enter the Hall of Diligent Governance, for serving the Emperor was a blessing earned through eight generations of virtue.

Shen Changle sat behind the curtain and asked, "Has the banquet in front concluded? Why has Lord Rong come over at this time?"

In the end, her elder brother, feeling sorry for her, brought her back to the Duke of Wei's residence. Naturally, she had completely given up on the idea of remarrying, but she never expected that she would later enter the palace.

"Your Excellency, where are we going?" the young eunuch could not help but ask.

Upon hearing the words 'Hanyuan Hall', the young eunuch's eyes immediately lit up

Snowing

Shen Changle was just about to speak when the Emperor, displaying remarkable patience, asked: "Is it because I previously did not allow your family to enter the palace that you are upset? Do not be angry. On the fifteenth day of the first month, would it be agreeable for me to take you out of the palace to see the lanterns?"

As one moves further ahead, there is a golden silk curtain placed in the hall, dividing the palace into two sections. Through the luxurious curtain, one can glimpse shadowy figures within.

Only Shen Chang knows that the reason the Emperor kept her in the palace was merely to humiliate her father. When the Emperor ascended the throne, Duke Wei, Shen Lingcheng, was the most vehement opponent, but the Emperor had already executed many people. The Duke's family possesses the red document and iron token issued by the founding Emperor; if her father were to be targeted, it would undoubtedly pit the entire noble class against him.

Rong Hai responded with a sound and quietly withdrew. After he exited, the young eunuch standing outside the hall hurriedly approached and asked, "Your Excellency, the palace banquet inside has not yet concluded, where are you going?"

Shen Changle heard their laughter but did not speak, merely gazing at herself in the makeup mirror. She reached up and removed the hairpin from her head. Although the bronze mirror was not as clear as a Western mirror, it still reflected her stunningly beautiful face.

Shen Changle was already seated in front of the dressing mirror, preparing to remove her makeup, when she heard a palace maid come in to report that Rong Hai had arrived. She sat in front of the brocade stool, remaining motionless.

She is the legitimate daughter of the Shen family, a prominent family in the State of Wei. Not only does she come from a distinguished lineage, but her beauty is also unparalleled. In her unmarried days, she was delicate and reserved, contemplating what kind of husband she would marry in the future

As soon as the two individuals stepped outside, still carrying the warmth from within the palace, they were struck by the biting cold wind, causing them to shiver all over. The young eunuch shook slightly, holding a palace lantern in his hand, and followed them out. The wind outside was howling fiercely, making even the tightly sealed doors and windows of the Qinzhen Hall rattle loudly. Thus, after only a few steps, the young eunuch began to struggle against the cold.

Rong Hai adjusted his cloak, and although the wind was so strong that it stung his face, he shot a glare at the young eunuch and said, "Keep your eyes sharp; we are heading to the Hanyuan Hall"

Who would have known that after the engagement was set at the age of thirteen, her fiancé tragically fell to his death from a horse just six months before their wedding. Later, she married the legitimate third son of the Pingyang Marquis, but this young master of the Pingyang Marquis had been frail since childhood. Of course, if it were not for his poor health, he likely would not have married someone deemed to be an ill-fated person like her.

Although Shen Changle was indifferent towards him, she still treated him with respect. Moreover, even though the emperor was using her, he also treated her well. At the very least, the rewards she received were rare treasures. After entering the palace, even when the Empress Dowager occasionally made things difficult for her, he always supported her. Additionally, she was the only consort in the harem, free from scheming and intrigue, which was a far cry from the fearful days she spent at the Pingyang Marquis's residence.

The young eunuch, scolded by him, quickly dashed out and returned with his cloak in hand. This was the garment bestowed by the Emperor last year, and among the palace maids and eunuchs, Rong Hai was the first to receive such favor.

However, this statement is somewhat uninteresting. Since it is snowing, it should indeed be cold. As the master’s confidant, Rong Hai should carefully consider what the master truly means, especially since the emperor has spoken.

The emperor's expression remained unchanged, but the corners of his mouth slightly curved upward. After a moment, he said: "Go check if there is enough silver carbon in the Hanyuan Hall; she is afraid of the cold."

Why did you not attend the palace banquet today

At this moment, the palace maids, dressed in uniform attire, entered in single file, each carrying a food box. The banquet was devoid of music and dance, creating a somewhat solemn atmosphere. On the left side of the table sat the royal relatives, while the right side was occupied by high-ranking officials and dignitaries

Thus, the young emperor, within this Forbidden City, wields considerable power. Even though Rong Hai has been his trusted aide for over ten years, he still feels a sense of trepidation when facing the emperor

He asked, "Is it windy outside?"

The servant respectfully greeted Her Highness, the Consort Chen. Rong Hai said loudly, and then knelt down.

What she does not know is that in this lifetime, regarding her fate in marriage, she is ultimately less fortunate.

After they left, the emperor glanced at the people behind her, still coldly stating: "You all may leave as well"

He felt a tremor in his heart and immediately said softly: "Is Your Majesty worried that the ground dragon in Hanyuan Hall is not warm enough? If not, I can send someone over to check right away."

However, when Rong Hai slightly raised his head to take a glance, he caught sight of a hint of warmth on the Emperor's cheek

The person before me stands with hands clasped behind their back, their posture as straight as a pine or cypress tree. Although their expression is stern, their features are exceptionally delicate and handsome. The air of nobility surrounding them truly inspires a sense of solemnity in those who behold them

Inside the Hall of Containing the Elements, the underground dragon was burning fiercely. Following the lead palace maid into the hall, the young eunuch involuntarily shivered. As soon as they entered the inner hall, a wave of unusual fragrance enveloped their senses, but when they tried to discern it closely, the scent seemed to fade away.

The emperor was already a man of few words, and now sitting alone at the head, it was inevitable that he would be somewhat lost in thought. At that moment, a fierce wind howled outside, the sound rattling the window panes, causing the emperor to be momentarily taken aback

Your Highness," the maid called out again

She set down the hairpin in her hand and said softly, "You may go and announce their entrance."

Suddenly, a crackling sound filled the air, the sound of the wick popping. The Emperor stepped forward, while Shen Changle took a step back.

Upon her remark, several palace maids nearby lowered their heads and laughed

However, upon reflection, a stunning beauty, so enchanting and captivating, would cause even a eunuch like Rong Hai to lose his senses, let alone the young and vigorous Emperor.

Although the Emperor is ruthless and unyielding towards those in the court who oppose him, he shows great concern for the common people. Since ascending the throne, he has continuously issued decrees to improve the lives of the populace. Perhaps he also wishes to achieve notable political accomplishments, wanting to show those who oppose him what he is capable of.

But now, it is quite the opposite; this ancestor of Hanyuan Hall is even more precious than His Majesty the Emperor. However, it is not surprising, as this individual is truly dear to the Emperor, cherished as if held in the palm of one’s hand for fear of breaking, and kept in the mouth for fear of burning.

The current emperor ascended to the throne through a military coup and had not held a grand wedding prior, nor did he even have a concubine by his side. Therefore, when Shen Changle entered the palace, it surprised many. Now, there are rumors circulating outside about how the emperor is particularly fond of her.

The emperor listened in silence, his originally expressionless handsome face becoming even more inscrutable.

The master whom they serve personally, by winning the emperor's favor in this manner, also brings them, as servants, a share of honor

The coldness in his eyes, akin to icy frost, gradually melted away, seemingly due to the warm atmosphere of the hall, and perhaps also because of the beauty before him

***

"The Emperor noticed that the wind outside was strong and heard that it was snowing, so he sent a servant to inquire whether the charcoal fire in the Empress's chamber was sufficient," Rong Hai said. However, Shen Changle showed little expression, while the palace maids beside her were overjoyed.

In the second year of the Zhengyuan era, on the fourteenth day of the first month, King Ji Chang of Wu raised an army to rebel, taking the Empress Dowager and Consort Shen from the imperial harem hostage, intending to force the emperor into submission

Since she entered the palace, those noble families who originally opposed the Emperor alongside the Duke of Wei began to feel anxious. Many of them strongly urged the Emperor to hold a selection of maidens, to widely recruit consorts for the royal family to expand its lineage. This would also facilitate their own daughters being sent into the palace, preventing the daughter of the Shen family from monopolizing the Emperor's favor.

Given the current emperor's disposition, Rong Hai observes closely, being a person of cold heart and indifference. As a result, he is able to bestow such favor upon those in Hanyuan Hall, to the extent that even the Empress Dowager cannot move against him

The current emperor ascended to the throne through a military coup. Although he is still quite young, he has committed numerous fratricidal acts. Thus, at the beginning of his reign, the capital was indeed awash in blood. Anyone with the courage to resist, who had any backbone, either ended up in the imperial prison or was silenced forever

"Little brat, stop talking nonsense and hurry up to get my cloak." Even outside, Rong Hai did not dare to speak loudly, only muttering a curse under his breath.

He first thought, could it be that the Emperor is concerned about the impoverished common people, fearing that the heavy snow might destroy their homes, or perhaps he believes that with the cold weather, the common people do not have charcoal for heating in their homes