Chapter Six, striving to recall the rosy visage of yesteryears
In order to avoid hearing the queen's hypocritical admonitions, I shall first impose upon myself three hundred repetitions of self-punishment
Thank you, Young Master Shang. I just remembered that it is customary to offer a reward at such times, so I took off the gold bracelet inlaid with pearls and carved with peony designs from my wrist and had Su Xue hand it to him: "This palace expresses gratitude for your care today, Young Master Shang"
In this series of misfortunes and misunderstandings in our relationship, I ultimately owe him too much
The Empress Dowager Zhang did not dare to respond, her face pale with anger, appearing as if she wanted to speak but hesitated. It was unclear whether she could not find the words to refute or if she was too angry to voice her feelings. After pondering for a moment, the Empress Dowager Zhang waved her sleeve and said: "Your Majesty's words are indeed correct"
The emperor's cunning schemes can be seen in this regard. Of course, this also illustrates the principle of "a dragon has nine sons," as Gu Wan, despite his bravery, is far from the emperor in terms of temperament. Gu Wan is straightforward and outspoken, unable to conceal his thoughts, which quickly exposes him before the emperor, this old fox.
It is unknown how many queens are among them
"Lady Su, do you know your crimes?" The Emperor noticed that Gu Wan was turning a deaf ear to the requests of the two General Sus, and immediately began to fan the flames with Yue Er, saying, "Why don't you quickly apologize to the Empress!"
Although I am not entirely innocent, I truly do not compare to the queen, who boldly bore a daughter for her lover. Even if the emperor one day gathers all the concubines in the palace for a thorough reckoning, I would certainly not be the first one targeted.
I calmly urged them to rise, and Fu Xiang whispered in my ear: "Your Highness, you should go to pay your respects to the Empress now, otherwise it would be a great disrespect"
The Emperor continued, "From this day forth, you shall be reinstated to the rank of Third Grade, enjoying the salary of a Zhaoyi. What do you think?"
However, I have no idea how to implement it specifically
If I were to pay my respects at this moment, it would be akin to delivering a sharp rebuke to the Empress. She has been under house arrest for a total of ten days before returning, and now a sworn enemy, having shared the imperial bed, comes to pay her respects, which is nothing short of a slap in the face to her
I understand. It feels as if honey has been spread in my heart, and joy is reflected on my brow. Heaven has truly been kind to me, allowing me to taste some sweetness after all.
I followed the emperor's gaze and looked towards the two brothers of Yue'er, who had been in constant battles yet still had fair and clean skin. I found that both of them maintained a blank expression, neither eating nor drinking, their brows and eyes fluctuating between light and dark, making it impossible to discern whether they were angry or not.
Today, the Queen specially donned an extremely formal gown adorned with jingling ornaments in anticipation of my greeting her. When she stood up, the collision with the chair produced a series of chimes. I held my breath and quietly waited for the surroundings to settle down, responding calmly and composedly: "I shall faithfully adhere to Her Majesty the Queen's teachings and will certainly wait patiently in the Luan Yi Palace."
This lengthy imperial edict sounded like a deafening firecracker, exploding in my heart, which was originally as still as dead water. The emperor must have summoned me for this decree of conferment, intending to elevate my position and subtly indicating to the court officials that the military power of the Governor of Donghai has completely aligned with the emperor.
This statement made both Yue'er and me feel awkward, and we exchanged a tacit glance, still unclear about the purpose of this remark directed at the Emperor
As expected, on the night of his return to the palace, the Emperor did not dine with his new favorite, Yang Zhaoyuan, but instead came to the Chengqian Palace to dine with me. To signify the solemnity of the occasion, he also invited Yue'er and the Third Prince, Gu Chongzhao, to accompany us. The Emperor's actions were indeed unusual. At the moment we received the imperial decree, Yue'er and I exchanged glances, unable to fathom the Emperor's intentions. We could only accept the decree with gratitude and wait to see how things would unfold.
Wan Lu helped me grind the ink and said: "Yes, I heard it was a matter from a few days ago. A young eunuch from the Pearl faction came to report, saying that the Empress had kept His Majesty waiting for too long, which made Him angry. As a result, the Empress was sent back to His Majesty's private residence under house arrest, and Princess Yining was also placed under house arrest in her living quarters at Tianning Palace"
I fear that there is not a single person in the world who has the courage to refute the Emperor's words
The dragon carriage moved slowly along the long stone-paved road, making it seem endless. I once naively believed that a distinguished family background could exempt me from struggles, but the reality proved that it was all a fantasy of mine. Originally, I gained the favor of the Grand Emperor due to the powerful resources behind me, and now is the time for me to be of use. Even though I am still suffering from abdominal pain tonight, attending to the Emperor's bedchamber is an unavoidable duty. Originally, I gained the favor of the Grand Emperor due to the powerful resources behind me, and now is the time for me to be of use. Even though I am still suffering from abdominal pain tonight, attending to the Emperor's bedchamber is an unavoidable duty
It is merely eight ordinary words, yet they pierced my heart like eight sharp swords, silently and invisibly. I had imagined my state of mind when I would meet Shang Baiwen again, filled with excitement, shyness, and happiness. However, when I truly faced this situation, seeing Shang Baiwen's restrained and distant demeanor, all I felt inside was a profound sense of guilt
The wife of Prime Minister Yang is the Xiao family, and my father holds military power, allowing him to stand on equal footing with King Yue. Although the father of Yue'er does not hold a position in the capital, he is still a force among the civil officials that can rival Prime Minister Yang. Moreover, Yue'er's two elder brothers are both in the army of King Yue... Numerous issues that I had previously overlooked now surged forth, occupying my reason and thoughts. Mechanically, I held the chopsticks, taking bite after bite of my meal, engaging in a question-and-answer exchange with the emperor.
Just as I was about to focus on drinking and eating meat, the queen beside me suddenly stood up with a wine glass in hand. At first, I did not intend to be distracted, thinking she was going to toast the emperor, but to my surprise, she began with these words: "Your Majesty, it has been a long time since I..."
This sentence made the emperor, the moon, and the string of pearls unable to suppress their laughter
Where is the queen? Why didn't the queen return to the palace with the entourage? I am somewhat puzzled, but I did not ask Wanlu, as she has always been in the palace and has no means to know about the summer retreat.
In the theater! As the autumn of the long reign approaches, we discuss the principles of womanhood, listen to the governance within the world, and establish the great foundations of human relationships, governing the state and cultivating its moral character. You are bestowed with the daughter of the Eastern Sea's military governor, Yue Changfeng, a family of great fortune, possessing noble conduct and embodying kindness and integrity. With keen insight, she does not rely on maternal instruction; with prudent behavior, she naturally becomes a consort. She harbors this steadfast virtue, radiating her brilliance, chosen at the outset to honor the previous command. With solemn and respectful demeanor, she fulfills the esteemed wishes, accompanying the royal carriage with diligence and sincerity. She serves the longevity palace, preparing to express mourning and respect, capable of fulfilling her duties, truly aligned with my heart. With keen insight, she does not rely on maternal instruction; with prudent behavior, she naturally becomes a consort. She harbors this steadfast virtue, radiating her brilliance, chosen at the outset to honor the previous command. With solemn and respectful demeanor, she fulfills the esteemed wishes, accompanying the royal carriage with diligence and sincerity. She serves the longevity palace, preparing to express mourning and respect, capable of fulfilling her duties, truly aligned with my heart. For a long time, she has served with diligence, carrying the fragrance of orchids, devoted to the arts, and always studying books. In her actions, she adheres to principles, must remove her hairpins and ornaments, advancing talented individuals to assist, understanding the hard work of her subordinates. Humble and yielding, she works diligently, recording achievements as paramount, her voice resounding like the red pipes, her path harmonizing with the purple court. She faithfully upholds the palace's teachings, respectfully maintains her duties, seeks out the virtuous and wise, and employs strict standards of authority. The hundred officials resist their words, the six palaces return to beauty, it is appropriate to honor the ceremonial records, allowing the elevation of established principles. In her actions, she adheres to principles, must remove her hairpins and ornaments, advancing talented individuals to assist, understanding the hard work of her subordinates. Humble and yielding, she works diligently, recording achievements as paramount, her voice resounding like the red pipes, her path harmonizing with the purple court. She faithfully upholds the palace's teachings, respectfully maintains her duties, seeks out the virtuous and wise, and employs strict standards of authority. The hundred officials resist their words, the six palaces return to beauty, it is appropriate to honor the ceremonial records, allowing the elevation of established principles. Therefore, this decree is titled "Zhao Yi." In the past, may there be no one who becomes arrogant due to their high position, nor anyone who indulges in luxury due to their nobility, lowering their feelings to reach the lower ranks, sincerely serving to prevent minor issues. Cleanse the offerings, wear the ceremonial attire, and respectfully follow the rituals to lead the consorts. Having received this commendable command, can one be careless?
You are outrageous! The King of Yue, who was originally kneeling, stood up recklessly after hearing the forceful words of Yue'er. Without a second thought, he snatched the dagger that was hanging from Yue'er's second brother's waist and was about to charge over. I was worried that Yue'er might get hurt, so I quickly stood up, raised my leg, and kicked his hand holding the dagger, causing him to feel pain and release his grip.
"Lady Zhao Yi!" It is Shang Baiwen, who called me from several steps away.
As soon as the six words drilled into my ears, a myriad of thoughts surged within my heart. I understood the meaning behind the moon's words; she wanted me to assist her in using a tactic of provocation against Empress Dowager Zhang Yi and Gu Wan, hoping to incite Empress Dowager Zhang Yi to impose severe punishment on her, thereby facilitating the next step.
Upon waking from a deep sleep, I felt as if I were trapped in a nightmare, my entire body suffused with an indescribable ache. According to Fu Xiang, the Emperor left before the third watch, no wonder I did not see him when I got up.
These words caused Lady Zhang Yi to alternate between red and white in her face. She glared at Yue'er and pointed at her, saying: "It is you, this vixen, who has ruined my banquet. What punishment do you deserve?"
It is indeed the case that the emperor, in such a grand manner, is essentially forcing me to meet with the empress, using me to demonstrate power to her. Although I am unaware of the true reason for her confinement, I can surmise that it is likely related to the background of Princess Yining, who is still under house arrest.
In the past ten years, I have been able to live a smooth and carefree life, all thanks to the moon shielding me from the wind and rain. However, tonight I have betrayed both love and friendship.
The moon tilted its head slightly, and with a bend of the knees, it knelt down, yet the expression clearly conveyed defiance: "I acknowledge my wrongdoing, please, Your Majesty, show mercy and forgive me."
Between Shang Baiwen and me, it seemed that there was a glimmer of hope, yet it was about to be completely extinguished by the court's power struggles. I have not yet engaged in those romantic escapades written in the tales of concubines, such as releasing lanterns on the river, sending secret messages through walls, or expressing mutual affection. I have even spent half a year under my mother's supervision diligently learning the Dance of the Rainbow Skirt and Feathered Coat, yet I have not performed it in front of him. Although I certainly cannot compare to Yang Guifei, it was still a gift I wished to present to the one I love.
"Empress Zhang, it would be better for you to sell me a little face, rather than repeatedly clashing with a junior like Huafei." The Emperor continued to negotiate with Empress Dowager Zhang only after he saw that Yue'er was standing steadily. He slightly raised his chin, adopting an extremely arrogant demeanor in front of Empress Dowager Zhang, who intended to rely on her seniority, and said, "Empress Zhang, do you think what I said is correct?"
I lowered my head and smiled lightly, saying: "The Empress is far more esteemed than I am; how could I dare to act recklessly? The emperor's favor towards the concubines in the harem has never been a means of flaunting one's status; Your Majesty, the Empress, has overpraised me." Speaking with someone like the Empress, who enjoys a pretentious tone, is indeed quite exhausting. Clearly, I detest her immensely, yet I must maintain politeness in her presence and cannot speak harshly to her, which is, for me, a great torment.
Speaking of which, the Princess of Chengde has been my long-time client. Although she is referred to as "Princess", the Princess of Chengde is only about three years younger than the Emperor. She was originally a palace maid who remained in the Kun Ning Palace to clean after the passing of the Empress Dowager. On one occasion, the Emperor Emeritus, while intoxicated, mistakenly took her for the Empress Dowager when he visited the Kun Ning Palace. The next day, he conferred upon her the title of "Lady of Chengde", a rank not recognized in the imperial harem, and thereafter, he never favored her again
It seems that King Yue must be a general who is very confident in his ability to command his subordinates. He is solely focused on avenging his beloved Queen and maintaining his dignity, showing no concern that these two capable deputies might betray him for the sake of their sister.
"Zhaoyi, you are my cousin; as the saying goes, blood is thicker than water, so there is no need to adhere to unnecessary formalities." The emperor had just finished reading a memorial, raised his head to meet Yue'er’s gaze for a moment, and then looked at me, "Since you are my cousin, what harm is there in being a little indulgent?"
The empress and her daughter are under house arrest, and the granddaughter of Prime Minister Yang has come to curry favor with me. What does all of this truly signify
Upon hearing Yue'er say this, the Emperor suddenly realized and said to me: "In that case, if the Zhaoyi wishes to rest, she may go to the Western Warm Pavilion to settle in. When it is time to serve lunch, I will send someone to call for you." With the Emperor having said this, I felt it inappropriate to pretend to be busy in the Eastern Warm Pavilion any longer, so I quickly took this opportunity to comply and took my leave.
Is Princess Yining still under house arrest at her residence
He seemed to be deep in thought, walking with his head down, unaware of my presence. At this moment, my heart was filled with conflicting emotions; I both hoped he would look up and see me, after all, we had not seen each other for many days, and I wanted to see him; yet I also wished for him to keep his head down and not notice me, as I felt too ashamed to face him again
Su Xue. I called Su Xue, who was organizing my ceremonial attire, and pointed at the people coming and going, saying, "Except for those who arrived today, all the others have been dealt with by the Yeting Bureau."
I mixed the copied texts of Shang Baiwen with my own according to the chapters and asked, "Has Yang Shuyi been promoted?" It seems that the favor of the ruler is not insignificant
The noble Empress Dowager Zhang has been welcomed down from Fengtai Mountain by His Highness the King of Yue, and she is expected to return to the palace in less than three days. A string of pearls bowed to me and respectfully reported, "It is said that this time the King of Yue took the initiative to bring the Empress Dowager from Fengtai Mountain so that she could celebrate her grand fiftieth birthday in the palace, and only then did he send someone to inform us."
Princess Yining has already been secretly sent out of the palace and is being accommodated in His Majesty's hidden residence. After saying this, a string of beads hurriedly took their leave, seemingly in a rush to convey the imperial edict to Kun Ning Palace
Having spoken, she made a gesture of toasting to the emperor and drank the wine in her hand
Death had brushed past her countless times, yet she remained there, oblivious and self-satisfied
Giving such a precious gift to the merchant, in fact, conceals my personal intentions. This exquisite armlet, adorned with pearls and gems, is the most valuable piece of jewelry from my grandmother's dowry. When my parents separated, my mother was unwilling to raise the children, and my father, not trusting others to care for us, had no choice but to take us siblings to the front lines. My grandmother, worried for my safety, specially took off this armlet and prayed for me in front of the statue of the Old Lord for forty-nine days, before giving it to me, solely to wish for my safety
King Yue was seated on the opposite side of the moon, next to his elder and younger brothers. He held his two deputy generals in high regard, but when the dignity of his beloved woman was compromised, he could not care for anyone else.
The emperor did not intend to comply with the words of the King of Yue and step down gracefully, but instead continued to entangle the issue: "Respecting the elders in the palace? If what the King of Yue says is true, then why does the Empress Dowager Chengde, who is also a consort of the former emperor, often suffer from the reductions in provisions by the Palace Affairs Bureau?"
Perhaps I can finally guess why the Emperor Emeritus insisted on summoning me to the palace despite my mother's objections. In the past, I was merely an inconspicuous weed among a multitude of beautiful flowers, and now I am being forced to take the stage.
Now, there is an insurmountable distance between him and me, and I can only rely on a small token, hoping for his peace in the rest of his life. In the face of harsh reality, no matter how I struggle and resist, it ultimately proves to be feeble and powerless
If I betray him first, will he still remain consistent towards me
I... I... The Empress was already in the wrong, and with the Emperor pressing her like this, she could not utter a single coherent word.
Wishing you boundless blessings and eternal happiness
I see him getting closer and closer, and I quietly say to Fu Xiang and Su Xue behind me: "Let us go to the Western Warm Pavilion."
Such inability to hold back, openly confessing in front of me, is truly useless
Thus, let us go to Kun Ning Palace. Su Xue helped me put on the newly made Zhao Yi ceremonial robe and styled my Ling She hairstyle. It took us a full half an hour to arrive at the Zhao Yang Hall of Kun Ning Palace
The Empress Dowager Zhang Yi was originally drinking when she saw her son openly draw his sword against Consort Hua. She merely set down her wine cup and pretended to intervene, saying: "My son, do not be foolish. His Majesty is present; you must not confront the imperial carriage or offend the divine countenance"
As soon as the words were spoken, the head of the Palace of Imperial Attendants arrived at the main hall of the Luan Yi Palace, holding the imperial edict along with the officials from the Court of Ceremonial: "The imperial edict is conferred to the noble lady Yue of the Luan Yi Palace—"
I turned around, and he had already hurriedly walked up to me. He seemed to be in a bit of a rush, and as he spoke, he was panting: "Your servant... your servant has not yet had the opportunity to congratulate Her Highness, the Imperial Concubine, on her promotion. May Her Highness enjoy boundless blessings and eternal happiness." After saying this, he solemnly and respectfully took two steps back and performed a deep bow to me.
The emperor was too lazy to engage with this clumsy-tongued woman, and turned to Empress Zhang Yi, saying: "The Princess of Yue has been residing at Huopuguan for many years, while Mother Zhang visits her only a few times a year. Although Buddhism and Daoism are different paths, in worldly terms, she is indeed your legitimate daughter-in-law, is she not"
Perhaps it is truly the wrath of the Son of Heaven, with a hundred thousand corpses lying in the fields and blood flowing for a thousand miles. Gu Wan, who has always been arrogant and imperious, was unexpectedly frightened into lowering the sword in his hand by the emperor's gaze. He looked compassionately at the queen, whose face was already swollen and red on one side, and approached his desk to kneel before the emperor: "Your Majesty, please forgive Her Majesty the Queen. She has always been kind and respectful to the elders in the palace, which is why she addressed my mother as such."
"These past ten years have truly been a hardship for you, Yue Jieyu." After the emperor took his seat at the banquet, he did not allow a servant to serve him dishes, but instead picked up his wine cup himself and filled my cup, saying, "Living in my imperial palace has caused you suffering."
I have never experienced the heartache that comes from being moved. Although I have never communicated my thoughts and feelings to him, he knows what I need. This experience is unprecedented for me. I have imagined countless times a love that belongs solely to me, but I never expected that when it truly arrives, the feeling it brings would be so intimate.
Little did I know that just as I stepped out of the East Warm Pavilion, intending to get some fresh air at the Hanging Flower Gate, I saw the hurried figure of Shang Baiwen coming down the grand steps of Qianren Palace. It had been merely half a month since we last met, yet it felt as if an entire era had passed. Although half a month is not a long time, it had already carved a chasm between him and me.
At the banquet, he was furious because the moon was seated in the queen's position, leaving the queen to sit between me and the moon. He drew his sword in a show of defiance right in front of the emperor
Her question inadvertently confirmed one point: those assassins were indeed acting under her orders. Perhaps when those assassins encountered me and Shang Baiwen, someone had already tipped her off.
I felt ashamed of my unexpected kick and performed a fist salute, saying: "I practiced for a few days in my family's army in the East Sea when I was young, Your Highness, please do not take offense."
"Why should the King of Yue have a conflict with Consort Hua?" The Emperor's temperament is much better than that of the King of Yue. He lifted his wine cup and took small sips, while the corner of his eye kept an eye on the expressions and gazes of the two brothers of the moon. His tone was gentle and amiable, making the King of Yue feel as if he had punched a cotton ball.
"Your Highness, the Empress was secretly summoned back from the hidden palace by His Majesty last night during the hour of the Dog, and she is currently resting in the Kun Ning Palace," Fu Xiang said while assisting me in getting dressed. "According to the rules, since it is your first time serving in the inner chamber, you are required to pay your respects in the Kun Ning Palace. What do you think..."
Wan Lu did not leave immediately, but instead announced some bad news to me: "Your Highness, His Majesty has returned to the palace with the newly promoted lady Yang and others, and will arrive by this afternoon at the latest"
Moreover, although the Emperor has historically been at odds with the Empress, he has never before directed his anger towards Princess Yining in such a manner. Perhaps this serves as a signal to all those caught in the whirlpool of the inner palace, indicating that the situation can change dramatically in an instant
In such a state of ignorance, how can you be worthy of the imperial seal of the Empress in the Kun Ning Palace
The moon gazed into the emperor's eyes, then slowly walked to kneel before the Dowager Consort Zhang, saying: "Your Highness, please forgive me. I am guilty of a thousand deaths for disturbing your peace. I beg for your mercy." In the past, when the Dowager Consort Zhang was in the palace, she often found various excuses, big and small, to trouble the moon. Today, she would certainly not let this opportunity slip by. However, it must be said that the moon had always remained indifferent to the Dowager Consort Zhang's deliberate difficulties, but this time, something seemed different.
Since I returned with the Emperor yesterday, the Luan Yi Palace has been filled with people, which makes me quite uncomfortable. It is said that the Shang Gong Bureau and the Ye Ting Bureau sent over a dozen palace attendants to the Luan Yi Palace, and it must be due to the increased number of people that I feel somewhat unfamiliar with this palace where I have lived for ten years
The moon smiled as it gazed at me, and secretly reached out to pinch me. We both thought that all conflicts had come to an end, but unexpectedly, King Yue suddenly knelt down, crawling to the feet of the Emperor and said: "Your Majesty, today was originally a banquet for my mother’s return to the palace. Although my mother is an elder and should not be held accountable by Consort Hua, she first offended Her Majesty the Empress Fengyi, and then disturbed this harmonious family banquet, thus she should be punished."
In this relationship between him and me, it has always been I who have let him down
In order to make everything appear more natural, without any signs of being deliberate, I also knelt down alongside Yue'er, but my demeanor was much more sincere. While speaking, I bowed my head, showing fear that the Empress might punish her for Yue'er’s perfunctory attitude: "Your Majesty, please forgive us, Your Majesty, please forgive us, I implore Your Majesty to spare Consort Hua!"
The Emperor, seeing that the situation had reached a critical point, intervened to mediate: "Enough, this banquet has caused such a disturbance, it is indeed the fault of Consort Hua and the Lady Zhao. The palace can no longer accommodate them for the time being. Starting tomorrow, Consort Hua Su and Lady Zhao Yue will be relocated from the palace for self-cultivation and demoted to the lively observatory, and they are not permitted to enter the city without an imperial decree"
Wang Lu lightly smiled and said: "A few days ago, the princess of Yue sent her maid Xie Su to return your inner garment, and specifically requested a sample of your handwriting from our Lady Hua. It seems that Young Master Shang anticipated that you would impose a penalty on yourself, so he had it copied for you at the residence and sent it over."
The emperor cast a sidelong glance at Imperial Concubine Zhang Yi, without clearly indicating whether he would spare her face. He simply said to me, "Yue Zhaoyi, quickly help Hua Fei up." Upon hearing the command, I hurried to Yu'er’s side and helped her up. During the process, Yu'er took the opportunity to whisper in my ear, "It's a provocation tactic, do you understand"
I have forced myself countless times not to think about this issue, yet my thoughts cannot help but drift towards it
I have never liked being aggressive. Seeing the Empress tormented by my words, I had no intention of lingering too long in Kun Ning Palace. I stood up, bowed to the Empress, and intended to take my leave: "I am here, and I truly disturb Your Majesty's tranquility. I take my leave."
It is unclear what exactly the Emperor saw in the Empress back then, as he actually dared to grant her the position of the primary consort.
The moment has arrived that is critical for me; the Emperor's words are filled with various strong implications, and it seems inevitable that he will summon me to his bedchamber tonight. However, I am not considering declining; I am merely contemplating how I should face Shang Baiwen if I have the opportunity to see him again in the future
The queen knew I had arrived and dismissed all the idle people, leaving only me, Fu Xiang, and her chief maid, Rou Hong. She did not instruct Rou Hong to give me the usual admonitions, but instead allowed me to sit in the position closest to her, looking down at me: "Yue Zhaoyi, you are now the most favored person in the harem, even surpassing the glory of Consort Hua from the Chengqian Palace. Are you pleased?"
Fu Xiang simply tied up my long hair. I took a few steps forward, watching them busily at work, and suddenly felt a sense of pleasure arise within me. Regardless of what the emperor intends to do, it is certain that the empress's power has waned. Since that is the case, why not let me enjoy myself a little?
Or it is that the emperor has meticulously set a trap, just to have Gu Wan deliver herself to him today
The queen has finally been released from confinement, only to encounter the King of Yue entering the palace, and now she has been locked up again. However, why go to such great lengths to change the location of Princess Yining's house arrest just because the King of Yue is coming? What is the reason that makes the emperor so wary of a meeting between the King of Yue and her?
Since my first night of service, the Emperor has always summoned me to accompany him at Qianren Palace, and of course, Yue'er has been with me all along. The difference is that I had nothing to do in the Dongnuan Pavilion. With Yue'er by my side, I would grind ink and hand over the brush, and when it came to serving tea and water, a string of pearls was always at the ready. Finally, seeing that I was truly idle, the Emperor pointed to the redwood bed with carved dragons and cloud patterns, which he usually used for his afternoon rest, and said to me: "Zhaoyi has accompanied me for a long time, why not go and rest for a while."
Since I have been called "Lady Zhao Yi," this is the first time I find it harsh and piercing to my heart. I wish I could tear apart this official attire of the second rank right here and now, but the die is cast, and I have no other choice.
My heart is shrouded in heavy fog, which I have been unable to dispel. Although I understand that these matters are interconnected and that none of them have a direct relation to me, ever since I became this ceremonial official, I have already been drawn into this chaotic situation
If he truly regarded me as his cousin, he would not have said such things to me when I was sixteen
The Empress Dowager Zhang Yi had a dignified demeanor. Suddenly, Yue'er met the gaze of Empress Dowager Zhang Yi with cold eyes, and without waiting for anyone to call her "Be at ease," she stood up.
Once, I had only seen her mention this extremely silent struggle for the crown prince in the family letters my mother wrote to us children. As a young child, I naturally did not know the details of the process, but I only knew that after this incident, Gu Wan completely lost favor in front of the retired emperor, and his fiancée, the Xiao family, became the crown princess.
The expression on the face of Princess Zhang Yi changed like a kaleidoscope, yet she could not utter a single word
Upon hearing this news, not only was my drowsiness instantly shattered, but it also reminded me that perhaps the visit of King Yue to the capital at this time is not merely a coincidence. In the ten years since I entered the palace, King Yue has visited the palace no more than three times. Even during the fortieth birthday celebration of the late Empress Dowager Zhang, he did not come to the palace to offer his congratulations. This time, his high-profile welcome of his mother back to the palace must certainly have other intentions
The Empress has yet to express her stance, but Consort Zhang has indeed climbed up the ladder, smiling as she said: "How ridiculous! Just because you say to forgive, does the Empress have to forgive? Consort Hua, Consort Yue, you sisters really think too highly of yourselves."
"Go ahead, today I will wear the ceremonial robe of the imperial consort, please prepare for me." I put on my shoes, stood up from the edge of the bed, and looked at the unusually lively palace.
Upon hearing the mention of rewards and honors, I instinctively set down my wine cup and knelt in gratitude, although I spoke words of blessing, I could not help but secretly speculate in my heart about why he made such a decision
Due to the constant favor bestowed upon her by the moon, there are eighteen lanterns on each side of the Chengqian Gate, shining brightly as if it were day. I turned to look at the emperor's handsome face in the light; clearly, he is also an exceptionally handsome man, yet why does my heart not stir even slightly in response to his tenderness and kindness?
A string of beads has always been cautious, and it is impossible for them to send someone to the Chengqian Palace to convey messages without authorization. The only possibility for the message to have been transmitted by them is that it was authorized by the Emperor
Once the moon spoke these words, the distinction between her and me became truly evident. At times, I find myself inexplicably admiring her, also because she is genuinely exceptionally intelligent; the term 'brilliantly clever' is no exaggeration.
Everyone in the palace ceased their actions and knelt down to listen to the proclamation
In the intervals of drinking, I secretly glanced at the Queen and found that she did not feel embarrassed; instead, she appeared quite at ease, occasionally stifling a laugh. Every time I noticed the Queen acting foolishly, I couldn't help but wonder how the late Emperor had chosen her as a candidate for the Crown Princess back in the day, given her lack of awareness of her surroundings. Her mind is quite similar to that of a lowly person like me, not to mention how it compares to that of Shang Wanyuan.
The Empress Dowager Zhang was somewhat taken aback by her actions, staring blankly as she approached her.
"Mother, you need not worry about your child. As long as Lady Hua willingly concedes her position, I shall lay down my sword." He had expected Yue'er to immediately apologize and then exchange seats with the Empress, but not only did Yue'er ignore his request, she instead raised her wine cup to drink with me across the Empress.
The emperor was not merely using this as an excuse; he was genuinely angry. I had never seen him like this before, with his eyes reddened by rage and the veins on his neck and forehead bulging. He turned around and fixed a fierce gaze on the King of Yue, who had already pointed his sword at him, and sternly reprimanded, "King of Yue, do you dare?"
If I truly love Shang Baiwen, how can I still engage in marital relations with this man? If I do so, do I still deserve to say that I love him?
I was just about to see the reactions of the two brothers of the moon, when both General Su stood up simultaneously and knelt behind Gu Wan, saying: "We only have one biological sister, the noble Consort Hua, please have compassion, Your Highness the King of Yue"
The Empress Dowager has already become a resident of the Shoukang Palace, so why must she involve herself in the affairs of her children? One does not understand the value of household expenses without managing a household. Little do you know that each time you travel back and forth from Fengtai Mountain, the Palace of the Imperial Concubines and the Imperial Garden Bureau spend thousands of taels to prepare carriages, banquets, and the offerings and rewards for the incense and money you receive along the way. His Majesty treats you with such respect because you are the favored concubine of the late Emperor, and you should be content with that.
Soon, I truly witnessed the contest between the Emperor and Gu Wan. This occurred during the banquet held to welcome Gu Wan's mother, the Empress Dowager Zhang Yi.
Throughout the conversation with the King of Yue, the Emperor did not look at him even once. After the King of Yue finished speaking, the Emperor remained silent for a moment before asking: "Then, according to the King of Yue's view, how should this matter be handled?"
I spent the entire afternoon grooming and dressing up, and it was not until a quarter past the hour of Shen that the Emperor leisurely made his way over from the Qianren Palace
"Jieyu, my dear minister, please accompany me to the Luan Yi Palace," the Emperor said as the moon had already guided us out of the Chengqian Gate. The Emperor ascended his dragon carriage and turned to extend his hand towards me
Gu Wan is truly a remarkable man with an enigmatic confidence in his personal charm
Gu Wan squinted her eyes and looked at the moon with disdain: "Your Highness, the Noble Consort, I have always been aware that I am a rough man, but I also understand the principles of rank and hierarchy. Although you are the favored one among the Emperor's three thousand concubines, you are still merely a consort of His Majesty. In the common folk, one must serve the legitimate wife by pouring tea and attending to her needs daily."
The minister expressed his gratitude to the noble consort for her grace. After saying this, he carefully stored the golden armlet and entered the Eastern Warm Pavilion, while I, without looking back, went to the Western Warm Pavilion. I had intended to rest peacefully in the outer chamber of the Western Warm Pavilion, but just as I began to feel drowsy, a string of pearls came in to announce a significant piece of news
I am merely an observer here, and my sole obligation is to fully cooperate with all the hints from the Emperor and Yue'er throughout this event. Naturally, I now raise my wine cup in response to Yue'er.
"May the Empress Dowager enjoy eternal blessings and peace, and may her happiness be boundless." Under the leadership of Fu Xiang, the attendants of the Luan Yi Palace knelt before me, reciting their wishes in unison
The emperor was inherently soft-hearted. On one occasion, while on his way to Shoukang Palace to meet with the Dowager Consort Zhang Yi, Dowager Consort Chengde exerted considerable effort to report to him that the Palace of Imperial Concubines was withholding her expenses. The emperor was reluctant to intervene in matters concerning the dowagers and concubines, so he instructed the empress to handle it on his behalf. However, the empress feigned compliance while secretly opposing him, which infuriated the emperor, leading him to strip her of her authority over the six palaces and transfer it to Yue'er.
It has been a long time since I last saw them, and their reactions have only increased my sense of disinterest
"Your admission of fault today is quite straightforward, though I wonder what is on your mind." The Dowager Empress Zhang Yi also noticed that Yue'er was behaving differently than usual, and with a cold snort, she remarked, "You have always been a girl who takes advantage of situations and then plays innocent; this has always been your specialty."
Since my return to the palace, the days of hardship seem endless. Following the advice of Yue'er, I have temporarily refrained from returning to my Luan Yi Palace and instead reside in the Cheng Qian Palace, to guard against any underhanded schemes from the Empress. Although I am living in the Cheng Qian Palace, to prevent giving the Empress any opportunity to exploit the situation, I have voluntarily taken out books such as "The Biographies of Exemplary Women," "The Rules for Women," and "The Teachings for Women" to copy. Over the past half month, I have copied them countless times.
I was completely unaware of how he obtained my handwriting, and moreover, how he knew that I was copying these
My mother said well, if you want to walk in the palace with dignity and composure, you must not give anyone the opportunity to exert power over you
The rank of a Second-Class Imperial Concubine is actually nothing special, and this decree from the previous dynasty conferring the title of Imperial Concubine is not needed. However, among the current Second-Class consorts, there are only myself and Yang Shuyi, the granddaughter of Prime Minister Yang. I hold the title of Zhaoyi while she holds the title of Zhaoyuan. Although I am merely one rank above her, it is already enough to infuriate the prideful Prime Minister Yang. The Emperor's intention is nothing more than to take advantage of the situation.
A string of pearls immediately replied: "This servant was just about to go to the Kun Ning Palace to convey the decree, when Your Majesty issued an oral command, ordering Empress Xiao to be placed under soft confinement in the side hall of Kun Ning Palace to reflect on her past mistakes. She is not allowed to go out without a decree, and no one is permitted to visit her"
"Greetings, Your Highness." Wan Lu entered from outside and greeted me, holding a stack of papers filled with densely written small characters. She gently placed them beside the inkstone on the desk, "Your Highness, this is a gift sent to you by Young Master Shang through someone, please take a look."
In fact, compared to Shang Baiwen, the person I feel more sorry for is Yue'er. Just a few days ago, I confidently told her, "I would never do something as unscrupulous as stealing someone's love," yet today I am going to share a bed with the one she loves.
At this moment, it is uncertain whether the Empress has realized that the Emperor is not a man she can manipulate at will. Her actions have likely been monitored by the Emperor for the past ten years. Her reckless behavior and malicious heart have reached a point where a reckoning is inevitable.
The unexpectedness of this move was something even Yue'er had not anticipated. She and I exchanged a glance of equal astonishment, both hesitant to act rashly. She gave a signal to her brothers across the way, while I entered a state of vigilance, ready to at least shield the emperor if King Yue were to suddenly strike.
"The Huafei has been rampant in the palace for ten years, repeatedly offending the Empress and disregarding the central palace. She should be stripped of her title and punished by being sent to the cold palace." It was only when the King of Yue spoke these words that I understood what Yue'er meant by the 'provocation tactic.' Indeed, the King of Yue has always had a straightforward and irritable temperament, unable to tolerate the Empress being wronged
Upon hearing that it was something sent by Shang Baiwen, I immediately stopped writing, picked up the stack of papers to examine: "When did he copy this?" The pages were densely filled with his imitation of my handwriting, transcribing works such as "Nüze" and others. It was evident that he had put in a great deal of effort, with every stroke and dot meticulously mimicked.
Of course, it is also possible that she sensed a change in the atmosphere within the palace recently, causing her to be restless day and night, and in a moment of mental tension, she let something slip.
I looked up and met the queen's gaze, smiling as I said, "Your Majesty, do you know what punishment a family would face if a daughter-in-law were caught committing adultery with her brother-in-law?" Seeing the queen's astonishment, I continued, "Even if I were to disrupt the harem, you would be the first to die from this accusation." The emperor already harbored suspicions about her and the King of Yue; as soon as someone brought up this topic, it would rekindle his interest in the matter, and the queen would undoubtedly face death.
Then tell this palace, what punishment should be imposed for the disorder in the harem? The Empress did not continue on this topic, but instead made a sudden turn and unexpectedly said this.
Yue Yanxiao! The Empress heard that I was about to leave, and suddenly slammed her palm on the armrest of the chair, pointing at me and saying, "You just wait and see, if I do not fare well here, you and the Concubine Hua will not have a good ending either!"
The Empress Dowager Zhang Yi was somewhat satisfied with Yue Er's proactive attitude in admitting her mistakes and did not continue to blame her. Instead, she held a cup of wine and adopted a maternal demeanor, walking over to the Emperor, who was still at an impasse with the Empress: "Your Majesty, please do not be angry. The Empress has shown me a rare and sincere filial piety. I ask that you grant me this favor."
Coincidentally, she only holds a seemingly ambiguous handle, while I am aware of the charges she has firmly established. The most compelling evidence is precisely her precious daughter, Princess Yining
"How could I dare to say I am tired? Your Majesty, you manage countless affairs daily, and it is a blessing for me to be able to serve you. Even if I had a hundred times the courage, I would not dare to agree decisively to lie down and sleep. There are never idle people in this Eastern Warm Pavilion; I must find something to do.
At this moment, I am filled with doubt about myself, but I cannot show any signs of it in front of the Emperor. I smile sweetly, holding his hand as we ride together in the dragon carriage. When I turned around in the carriage, I saw Yue'er standing at the Chengqian Gate to bid me farewell. She came out with her three children to see me off, her eyes slightly red, yet still wearing a smile.
Is Her Majesty still in the Kun Ning Palace? I suddenly remembered something and hurriedly asked for clarification before a string of pearls had left.
I do not dare to overstep my bounds. I continued to decline, my eyes secretly scanning back and forth in the Dongnuan Pavilion, looking for something to do to make myself appear less idle
Due to being consistently neglected by the Emperor, the servants in the Luan Yi Palace have mostly become complacent in their duties; except when Yue'er comes, they do not even clean the courtyard. Perhaps this time, seeing that I have a hope of gaining favor, each of them has started to busy themselves in front of me
The moon glanced at me, knowing that I was looking for something to do. With a sweet smile, she suggested to the emperor, "Brother Heng, I see that Xiaoxiao is feeling shy. Why not let her rest for a moment in the Western Warm Pavilion? After all, you are the Son of Heaven; how could Xiaoxiao truly dare to regard you as her elder brother?"
It is absolutely impossible for me to remain uninvolved by my own efforts; rather, it is better to stand beside the moon and the emperor, grit my teeth, and be fully prepared.
The emperor is admirable in every way, yet at times he has a tendency to suddenly become familiar with others, catching them off guard
The queen's words were mostly still on her lips, without the opportunity to be spoken, when she was abruptly interrupted—truly a forceful interruption. In front of Yue'er, King Yue, and Grand Consort Zhang Yi, the emperor exerted great strength to slap the queen across the face.
Perhaps she was so angered by the moon that she momentarily lost her ability to speak
The queen, seeing that I always wore an unchanging smile on my face, probably felt intimidated by my insincere demeanor and hurriedly retorted without thinking: "What nonsense! Which of your eyes saw this palace in an illicit relationship with King Yue?" As soon as these words left her mouth, not only was she herself startled, but even Rouhong, who was standing beside her, turned pale with fear.
Gu Wan must be unaware that I have practiced martial arts since childhood, as she glares at me with wide eyes, holding the hand that I kicked, and exclaims: "You dare to..."