Chapter Two, the moon's spirit is startled, the mist confuses the lotus pavilion.

In a haze of confusion, the surroundings suddenly became sweltering, as if I had been transported back to that summer, lying on the bamboo couch in the side hall of De Shou Palace, inhaling the fresh fragrance of the banana leaves wafting in from outside. Just as I was drifting into a deep sleep, I was abruptly awakened by a heavy weight pressing down on me.

"A joyous occasion?" I smiled faintly in a daze and raised my eyes to ask, "Where is Sister Yayi?"

I have stood alone in the courtyard for a long time, and I finally have to accept the reality before me: the sisters who I thought could support and rely on each other have been separated by layers of palace walls

Jin Qi looked up at the azure sky outside and hesitantly spoke: "Today... is the day of her great joy with Lord Kang!"

He is not a eunuch; the demeanor he exudes is calm yet imposing, even subtly permeated with the aura of a seasoned warrior. Even his smile, which he tries to convey as friendly, cannot diminish it in the slightest.

Only those born into royalty, who have always held themselves in high regard, would possess such arrogance, believing that everyone should be grateful for their favor, and treating the oppression of women as a great honor bestowed upon them.

I smiled and said, "Hmm, Your Majesty seems very happy today"

Jin Qiqi bent down, beaming with a smile as she said to me: "Ning Jieyu, this is a joyous occasion, quickly accept the decree!"

Under the dim moonlight, Tang Tianxiao, dressed in dark robes as black as ink, slowly stepped out from behind the shade of the trees. His thick brows, sharp and straight like swords, framed his piercing black eyes, which glinted like blades as they coldly regarded me, gazing at Tang Tianxiao, resembling a Shura from hell, exuding a chilling and murderous aura.

In the Great Zhou Dynasty, following the system of the previous dynasty, there were four consorts, nine noble ladies, nine beautiful women, and nine talented women below the Empress. Additionally, there were twenty-seven women in the categories of Baolin, Imperial Maidens, and Cainei, with ranks ranging from the first grade to the eighth grade, descending in order.

Once, in a moment of haziness, I heard him asking Nanya Yi: "This girl is quite bold, what exactly happened that night?"

Has His Majesty been able to enter the De Shou Palace? Could His Majesty please convey a message?

Tang Tianzhong, dressed in dark robes as black as ink, slowly stepped out from behind a tree's shadow, hands clasped behind his back. His gaze was as sharp as a blade, cold and piercing, as he looked at both me and Tang Tianxiao.

Calculating the days, in another two to three months, the lotus will bloom again

This palace, adorned with a profusion of flowers, is eerily silent, save for my desperate cries for help and the lewd jests of men

My screams drifted out of the window, startling the parrot in the corridor, which flapped about in terror and squawked in its cage, yet there was not a single response from the many palace attendants of De Shou Palace.

This man, this stranger whom I do not know whether it is our first or second meeting, unexpectedly lowered his head while I was enunciating and suddenly pressed his lips against mine

In a moment of daze, it seemed I saw someone drinking, the jade mountain about to topple, with a refreshing smile, holding my hand, softly murmuring: "The fragrance of lotus and water lily is pure, the wind comes from the water surface, awakening the wine. Is it the fragrance of a person, or the fragrance of the lotus?"

In the silent weeping, the hem of the skirt loosened, and the lower garment slipped to the edge of the couch. A wave of darkness enveloped my vision, as day turned into night, and even the cries for help became hoarse and powerless

The wind blows in, it is very cold

I am not in a position to visit the lotus pond, but there are still a few wild lotus flowers by the stream. I was quite surprised when I saw the tiny pointed lotus leaf rolls while washing clothes in early spring

One could indeed muster the entire strength of the capital to search for a woman, and he is certainly entitled to such arrogance

As I walked into the outer room, Tang Tianxiao's personal attendant, Jin Qi, was sitting at the table drinking tea. Upon seeing me, he quickly stood up and smiled, saying: "Miss Qingwu, the Emperor... is in Miss Yayi's room"

Jin Qi's jewelry was not given in vain; not long after, he actually came personally with Qin Yue to see me. Smiling, he said to me: "Miss, rest assured, Miss Ya Yi is currently living well in De Shou Palace. The Emperor is worried that you might be concerned, so he specially sent me to make this trip, asking you to take good care of yourself and prioritize your health"

As the scattered long hair fell from Tang Tianxiao's arms, I made an effort to turn around and gazed once more at the bluish stone path that shimmered with a pale white hue

Nanya has long since regained his appearance, no longer looking sickly and repulsive; his words clearly indicate that he finds my lack of trust in him to be strange

As I approached the entrance of Jingyi Courtyard, I collided with a dark figure emerging from within, and then I was supported by someone.

One path leads to the small stream that runs through the palace, while the other leads to the observation deck. Turning from the observation deck, one arrives at Deoksugung Palace. Inside, there still resides a queen dowager, but she is no longer the Dowager Queen Du of yesteryear. Since the day the queen dowager passed away, I have not visited Deoksugung Palace again, nor have I gone to see if the lotus flowers in front of the palace are still in bloom.

Jin Qi is smiling, but his muscles are stiff and somewhat unnatural. "The Empress Dowager... has noticed that the Emperor often comes this way, so she has kept a close eye and discovered Miss Ya Yi. At this moment... Miss Ya Yi has indeed benefited from the Empress Dowager's favor, receiving quite a few gifts, which are said to be for her dowry"

"Hey, don't you dare leave! You can't escape!" The voice was not loud, yet it was powerful and self-assured

Then, can Seventh Master help convey a message to let Sister Xueyi come out of the De Shou Palace to meet with me

Before I could steady myself, as I hurriedly tried to break free from him, my waist and back tightened, and his rigid arm had already locked me in place, even pressing my head tightly against his chest

I welcomed him in, greeted him, and then smiled as I asked: "Seventh Prince, I haven't seen Sister Yayi for quite some time, and I truly miss her. I suppose the De Shou Palace is not a place for ordinary people to enter, and I was just thinking of asking you to convey a message on my behalf!"

I could not help but curve my lips, raising my head to gaze at the sky, where only a few stars twinkled sparsely and brightly. The moon, however, was bright and clear, round as a jade disc, and as pure as water, casting a thin layer of light frost over the flying flowers between the eaves.

Now, Tang Tianxiao is actually able to endure and abandon her, completely ignoring her sorrow and tears

I immediately sensed that something was wrong and hurriedly asked, "Is something the matter?"

"What ... what ..." I was running a fever, and upon hearing her say this, I broke out in a cold sweat, "What about the Emperor? Does the Emperor know?"

Ning Shuang and Qin Yue are both trusted confidants arranged by Tang Tianxiao, and they are naturally aware that the young lady of the Lu family is merely an excuse for Tang Tianxiao to have Nan Yayi crowned as empress.

In the initial days, Nanya Yi was by my side, taking care of me without a moment's respite, her face filled with concern as she inquired about my well-being; Tang Tianxiao also visited two or three times, not shying away from discussing my illness, often walking directly up to me to personally check the temperature on my forehead

I was taken aback, gritting my teeth tightly, struggling in his embrace as if I had lost my mind

Have we come to an agreement? What agreement? The palms are soaked with sweat, and I dare not think of how many conspiracies and schemes there are, like a dense net, silently descending, enclosing towards Nanya's intentions... Perhaps I am also included

As I walked to the door, I gazed out towards the palace, only to see the towering palace walls and the golden-green glazed tiles, obstructing my view ahead and blocking the path before me

Nanya was afraid he would be angry, so she smiled and fastened the Nine Dragons jade pendant to his waist, gently saying: "Your Majesty, this time please keep the jade pendant safe, don't let it fall again"

Ning Shuang hesitated for a moment, and seeing that my complexion had improved, finally spoke: "Miss Ya Yi... was summoned by Empress Dowager Xuan a few days ago, and has not returned since."

I glared at his infatuated face with resentment, clenched my jaw tightly, and bit down hard.

The eaves of the building, at the four corners, emit a faint and crisp sound, while the withered yellow petals swirl in the wind, making the old courtyard appear even more desolate and empty

I rushed towards Jingyi Courtyard, deaf to everything around me, no longer daring to glance back even once. My steps, which had felt as soft as walking on cotton, suddenly transformed into a flight in the face of that immense fear.

Tang Tianzhong

Qin Yue hesitated for a moment and glanced at Ning Shuang

How could the Empress Dowager summon Sister Yayi to reside in Deshou? Instinctively, I suspect that the matter is not so simple

Do not be afraid, do not be afraid, I will protect my beauty and will not let anyone bully you again The young man kissed my lips and then kissed the tears at the corners of my eyes, supporting me as we walked towards the palace exit

I took a small bag of jewelry and stuffed it into Jin Qi's arms, smiling as I said, "Master Qi, please accept this!"

And I suppose I can be considered to have found a place to settle down

A woman crying for their bullying is, of course, a foolish person who does not understand the nuances of emotions

Naturally, Tang Tianxiao could not be seen, but I was reporting outside the hall that I wished to see Lord Qi. Soon, Jin Qi appeared. Perhaps due to the heat, he was wiping his sweat as he walked. When he finally looked up and saw me waiting for him, he hurried a few steps and forced a smile, saying: "Miss Qingwu, are you feeling better? Why don't you take a few more days to rest?"

He opened his mouth, frowned again, raised his hand to touch his lips, wiping away the blood that had oozed out. His eyes fixed on me, he began with anger, then softened immediately, and asked in a low voice, "Why are you crying?"

So, so... should you know by now

Ning Shuang understood my meaning and smiled, saying: "Is the young lady planning to go out for a stroll? Put on a coat, and I shall accompany you for a walk!"

Is today the fifteenth? It should be a good day for a full moon and family reunion

The body that was about to fall to the ground was caught in a waist embrace. Tang Tianxiao urged Jin Qi to call for the door again and hurriedly ran inside

Cousin! I exclaimed in shock, trying to push away that stout and robust figure, but my hands were quickly seized and pressed heavily against my head

I did not expect to encounter anyone at this moment. Startled, I hurriedly stood up and saw a man standing in the pavilion, his hands resting on the railing as he quietly gazed at me. His slightly sunken deep eyes had an unusually sharp shape, making it easy to imagine his usual demeanor of solemnity and coldness. Yet at this moment, he seemed to be softened by the glow of the moonlight, as if afraid of startling me.

This time, Tang Tianzhong encountered Miss Lu at the border and fell in love at first sight, privately pledging to spend their lives together

In a daze, I struggled to open my eyes, and there stood that familiar tall figure, angrily pushing away the person on me, then looking at me with sorrow and pity. That exquisitely beautiful face was twisted in pain.

Even though we are not far apart, the desire to meet, or even to convey a message, has become a luxurious wish

Jin Qi only dared to breathe a sigh of relief after he walked past, continuing to wipe away his sweat, and sighed softly: "Lord Kang and the Emperor... have most likely reached an agreement."

Later, Miss Yayi was summoned by the Empress Dowager, and the Emperor never came again. However, recently there have been rumors circulating, saying that General Lu's daughter will become the legitimate wife of Lord Kang

In my youth, I used to wield swords and guns, being quite mischievous, yet my health was excellent, and I rarely fell ill until the age of sixteen. However, after enduring numerous hardships, even my spirit seemed to wither, and my physical condition deteriorated day by day

The pear blossoms in Jingyi Courtyard have already fallen, and the petals on the steps remain uncleaned, instead accumulating even more.

Seeing me stubbornly standing there, he thought for a moment and said: "How about this, you go back and take good care of yourself first. I will find out the Emperor's thoughts, and if there is an opportunity, I will have the Emperor visit the Jingyi Courtyard. The Emperor quite likes it there, even though Miss Ya Yi is no longer present... Sigh, the Emperor will definitely go and take a look again."

Knowing that it was wrong, knowing that I am the person Tang Tian is looking for, and even having clarified that my surname is Ning, Nan Yayi still married into the regent's residence, and I have even become some sort of concubine.

A tall man dressed in a dark python robe, with a majestic jade crown, placed his palm on his waist, firmly gripping the hilt of his sword, and strode out of the Qianyuan Hall with a serious expression. Upon reaching the main road outside the palace, he paused for a moment, glancing in the direction of the Deshou Palace. The cold and rigid lines of his face suddenly softened significantly in that glance, and even the dark depths of his eyes sparkled with a familiar brilliance.

Where is Nanya? I bit my lip tightly, refusing to relax

It was only after a long time that I remembered it was because Jin Qi still referred to Ya Yi as "Miss" instead of the "Noble Consort" he had changed to that night

I accepted the plain cloak embroidered with white background and green calyx plum blossoms that she handed to me, draped it over myself, and said softly: "You all pay attention to the Emperor's summons here, I will take a walk alone and will be back shortly."

After the fright of that night, I was ill for more than half a month, occasionally suffering from high fever and profuse sweating. At night, I was plagued by nightmares, and the desolate cries I uttered in my sleep startled me awake on several occasions

After my body had calmed down, Ning Shuang hesitated and finally spoke: "Miss, in fact, the edict regarding the imperial concubine was issued just a few days after you were startled and fell ill. However... Miss Ya Yi was not included in it. The Emperor also came specifically to speak with Miss Ya Yi privately, and both of them looked rather unwell."

I have finally found you! The songs you sing are as beautiful as the melodies you play on your flute. He whispered this in my ear, his warm yet unfamiliar breath brushing against my neck, causing me to tense up and become completely rigid, a layer of goosebumps quickly rising on my skin

With my head bowed, I took the bright yellow scroll with both hands. I calmly expressed my gratitude before standing up to invite Jin Qi into the room, personally serving tea.

Fortunately, my health is gradually recovering. On this day, I got out of bed, looked in the mirror, and noticed that I had lost a significant amount of weight. Reflecting on that night, I still feel a lingering fear. I once again used the secret medicine to cover my pale yet delicate and refined face, transforming myself back into that coarse, sallow, and ordinary woman. I casually styled my hair into a simple side bun with a plain silver hairpin and called for Qinyue, asking her to inquire about any news regarding Nan Yayi.

The jade-like young lady is coming to marry the Prince of Runan

I suddenly felt a jolt in my heart and blurted out, "Is it true that even the Emperor cannot see her now?"

Where to go, it actually does not matter. Jingyi Courtyard no longer has the sounds of the qin and laughter of the past; even a few pear trees have borne small green pears. The lush green leaves rustle in the wind, making the once vibrant house appear even more dilapidated and desolate.

With a faint smile tinged with sadness, I grasped the dagger hidden in my bosom

Noble Consort

But my final note was abruptly cut off before I could fully express it

Due to the recommendation of a gentleman, I wish to don the lotus flower attire

Qing Wu, let's see where you can escape this time! The nauseating tongue licked around, leaving behind dirty wet marks; hands roamed freely, recklessly tearing apart the thin summer gauze, ravaging along the yet-to-mature curves.

For the past two years, Ke Nanya has been trapped in the palace. How many times has she been to the border?

Yet, it seems that a low sobbing is lingering in my ears.

Jin Qi's thick lips moved slightly, ultimately turning into a chuckle: "Do not make things difficult for me, I dare not speak recklessly about matters that are not serious. After all, I only have one head to lose."

As I was feeling utterly desperate, this person seemed dissatisfied with the gentle caress at the corners of my lips. After several failed attempts to pry open my jaws, he surprisingly freed one hand to firmly grasp my chin and squeeze. I let out a cry of pain, and he took the opportunity to invade, attacking without hesitation and wreaking havoc. Amidst the heavy breaths, the unmasked desire for possession left me terrified, unable to stand, yet bound by him, unable even to collapse to the ground.

I felt inexplicably restless, so I turned to Jin Qi and asked, "There hasn't been anyone around here on the way, has there?"

I smiled gently, "The Emperor's heart is something we can all see. However, the Emperor is busy, and with many consorts to serve him in the future, he may not always remember my sister. At that time, I would have to trouble Eunuch Qi to help remind him more often!"

What? It seems as if someone has seized my throat, and I held my breath, almost unable to speak

The lotus blooms in disarray, while the fragrance of the scattered garments mingles with the lotus leaves

I cannot go out, and people outside cannot come in

I do not wish to deliberately associate her becoming Lady Kang with my encounter with Tang Tianzhong that night, yet as soon as I sit down, I cannot help but recall the scene when Tang Tianxiao carried me back to the courtyard.

Tang Tianxiao lowered his head to take a look, and the corners of his lips immediately softened and lifted, "Did you make this? Over the past two years, your skills have indeed improved greatly"

With Nanya Yi's qualifications, she could become a first-rank virtuous consort upon entering the palace. Apart from the Empress Dowager and the Empress, no one else could overshadow her. Furthermore, with her identity as the daughter of a great general, as long as she acts cautiously and does not make any mistakes, a future of stability and wealth should not be a problem.

On a moonlit night in early summer, still icy cold, pierced by ten thousand arrows, with all my insides burning...

I forced myself to have Ning Shuang bring silver to express my gratitude, and only then did I turn back and lie down, still faintly feeling that something was amiss

Miss, do not say that I cannot enter the De Shou Palace; even if I were to enter the De Shou Palace, the Empress Dowager keeps Miss Ya Yi so closely guarded that I would not be able to see her or convey any messages

The sweltering heat suddenly vanished, leaving a chilling cold all around.

When that greedy person approached me with a naked smile, I gathered the last bit of strength I had left, pressed my tongue between my teeth, and was just about to bite down hard when I heard a muffled groan. The heavy body suddenly fell on me, but it was completely motionless

He winced in pain, his grip loosened, and with all my strength, I pushed him away, stumbling as I broke free from his embrace. I took a few steps back, leaning against the pillar to steady my trembling form, glaring at him in indignation

Indeed, there was not a single shadow along the way. I was dressed in a delicate, moon-white thin garment, with even my cloak being of the lightest shade of white, enveloping my body like mist; however, the green branches of the plum blossoms at the hem surprisingly came to life under the moonlight, moving with my steps in a strangely vibrant manner, ethereal and almost otherworldly.

As I looked at him, his posture, which seemed to have been frozen for an unknown duration, finally relaxed slightly. The corners of his lips stiffly lifted as he bent down and extended his hand towards me, saying, "I will pull you up!"

Tang Tianxiao did not come to Jingyi Courtyard

To marry as scheduled

But I have never been willing to become someone else's target

I do not even know whether she is doing well; I can only infer from the fact that Tang Tianxiao may not even see her that she must be living quite unhappily

I shivered, carelessly wiping the traces of water that covered my cheeks, panting as I struggled to regulate my breathing. Stealing glances at him, I noticed he was rather disheveled, standing by the pavilion and letting fresh blood spill from his tongue, yet his eyes remained fixed on me, as if he feared that if he blinked, I would vanish.

But I could no longer care for much; suddenly turning my head, I exerted all the strength of my life and rushed straight out of the pavilion

Without giving me time to think, he set down two paper bags and said with a smile: "These are gifts from the Emperor, all high-quality supplements such as Poria and Ginseng, for the young lady to nourish herself. I still have to serve the Emperor, so I must take my leave!"

I dared not approach him, yet I was tightly bound in his embrace, compelled to endure the violent and irregular beating of his heart within his chest, resonating in my ears like the sound of drums; I dared not look at him, yet I distinctly felt his gaze fixed upon me, unwavering and as intense as fire.

Jin Qiyuan wiped the sweat off his round, plump nose, but at that moment, large beads of sweat began to seep out again. He hurriedly wiped it away and, with his eyelids lowered, replied: "Miss Qingwu... Miss, regarding the matter of Deshou Palace, I am not in a position to make a decision on that."

Jin Qi bowed and replied: "Not yet... Currently, we are all preparing for the coronation celebration. Perhaps... we will have to wait until the coronation to issue the decree?"

Powerless to gaze upon the deep black firmament, the stars flicker in and out, while the full moon is surrounded by luminous halos that change in size and intensity.

Jin Qi lowered her head to take another look at the jewelry that had been pushed back, ultimately unable to bear pushing it away again, and with a beaming smile, she embraced it.

This... Hello, little aunt, the Emperor himself is also troubled by that matter, who would dare to disturb him about it

Jin Qiguan hesitated indeed, glanced out the window, and was unexpectedly startled, shrinking back slightly.

Sitting by the railing at the pavilion, I leaned against the mottled vermilion pillar, and some ethereal thoughts finally returned. I raised my eyes to gaze at both banks of the stream, where the trees were lush and deep, enveloped in a circle of thin mist, exuding a hint of chill; fortunately, the stream remained clear, with a light-colored mist lingering above it, quietly drifting under the moonlight

At first, he should not have known, but later he came to see the young lady. Upon hearing that she was summoned by the Empress Dowager, his expression changed immediately, and he left at once

"Girl, what happened? You look as if you've seen a ghost!" Tang Tianxiao exclaimed, slapping my face.

I originally thought that after enduring a difficult journey, at least one person would be able to fulfill their wishes and be content to be with their loved one.

As I hurriedly withdrew my hand, I felt a sudden weakness beneath my feet, and the only hand I had left could no longer hold on, loosening its grip as I was about to fall. At that moment, I felt a sharp pain in my shoulders, and before I could regain my senses, I was effortlessly lifted by that man from outside the pavilion and pulled inside.

This place belongs to the cold palace area, but it can also be considered part of the inner palace. At the dead of night, there are likely very few men brave enough to intrude into the inner palace.

I was momentarily stunned, "So... has the decree from the Ministry of Rites regarding the conferral of the title of consort been passed down?"

I no longer know how much time has passed since I last experienced the elegant leisure of admiring the moon and viewing the lotus.

Tang Tianxiao glanced towards the stream and asked in confusion, "It's nothing... girl, what's wrong?"

As he spoke, he gently embraced her, his eyes sparkling and his demeanor so tender that it seemed he might melt away. Nanya felt shy under his gaze, a stark contrast to her usual brightness, and with a flushed face, she rested her forehead against Tang Tianxiao's shoulder

Jin Qi smiled and said: "Of course not. The Emperor chose this place for the young ladies precisely because it is secluded. However, once the consort is appointed, this place will no longer be suitable for residence"

"Jieyu, Ning Jieyu... it is time to go to Yiqing Palace!" Jin Qi hesitated to call me twice, and seeing that I did not respond, he did not dare to urge me further. He stamped his foot, instructing Ning Shuang and Yi Yue to help me pack my things.

I have never been a person lacking in discernment; the situation is not yet clear, and I will not be foolish enough to defy orders.

And I, like a soul-lost spirit, walked in a daze towards the stream, stepping into an octagonal pavilion by the water's edge, provided for people's rest

Um...

Ning Jieyu... ... I dare not, I dare not!" Jin Qixun accepted with both hands, his words already tinged with bitterness

Through the thin fabric, the warmth and familiarity of his palm seeped into my skin, allowing me to breathe a sigh of relief, yet I trembled even more violently. I pointed my finger behind me, but could not utter a single word, as my body was already plummeting downwards

Nanya Yi's temperament possesses a certain openness characteristic of Northerners, never paying much attention to these details. Moreover, having lived in a foreign land for a long time, there are not many financial resources left. I have been in the palace for nearly three years, and during that time, I was quite favored by Empress Dowager Du. I have accumulated quite a bit privately, which is of no use to me; it would be better to help her win over those who can be of use, as it would make future days much more comfortable.

"Let me go, let me go... Help me, aunt, help me... Empress, Empress..."

Jin Qi nodded and said: "Of course! It has already been agreed with Her Majesty the Empress Dowager that tomorrow the Ministry of Rites will announce the decree. In addition to the Empress, two first-rank consorts and four second-rank concubines will be conferred. Among them, our Miss Ya, hehe, the Emperor and the Empress Dowager argued for quite a while, saying that General Lu has worked hard and made great contributions, and thus insisted on conferring Miss Ya as the Virtuous Consort!"

Hurry up, the Yiqing Palace has been tidied up, let us accompany the noble consort there! You two are accustomed to serving, so you may as well go along!

With my eyes closed, as I silently felt the long-sealed bitterness surge within me, a deep male voice suddenly came from above: "Have you been sitting on the ground for too long? Aren't you cold?"

I could no longer sit still, so I changed into a somewhat worn ordinary palace robe in bamboo green and headed straight to the Qianyuan Hall, where the emperor conducted his daily activities

Tang Tianxiao comes and goes in a hurry each time, which means that the two have not had the opportunity to spend time alone together. I took the tea from the maid and placed it on the table, then quietly withdrew, closing the door behind me.

When I was still unwilling to accept it and wanted to get to the bottom of the matter, Jin Qi could no longer bear it and stood up, escaping from the duty room and rushing into the Qianyuan Hall.

I felt uneasy, so I sent another maid, Qinyue, to find Jin Qi and try to gather information about Nanya's intentions

This was the last time I heard Nanya Yi and Tang Tianxiao speak. In the following seven or eight days, Tang Tianxiao did not appear again, and even Nanya Yi did not come to our shared bedroom.

Suddenly, he pulled me up, quickly draping a garment over me, and shouted loudly: "Wuer, Wuer, let us go! What family, what country, what fame, what wealth, I do not want any of it! I do not want a single thing!"

It is indeed the esteemed Lord Tang of the Kang dynasty who holds great significance

My wandering consciousness was slowly pulled back, and I trembled as I leaned against the young man's embrace, tightly clutching his collar, unable to suppress my sobs and cries.

"You... you have mistaken the wrong person..." I trembled with fear, and with great difficulty, I squeezed out these few words with my parched throat

Nan Yayi, even when she was cast into the enemy's palace that day, enduring the bullying of the palace maids, no matter how much she suffered from hunger and hardship, she remained so strong that she was unwilling to let anyone see her tears. This was all because in her heart, there was still a Tang Tianxiao.

I gazed at the bright yet cold moonlight, feeling the relentless advance of this unfamiliar man, whose hand had even begun to be disrespectful, and tears finally welled up.

In the eyes of these highly skilled martial artists, such desperate struggles and efforts are hardly worth mentioning, akin to the playful antics of a child

Two days later, an imperial decree was issued, indicating the engagement of Miss Lu to Lord Tang Tianzhong; corresponding to the recent fervent search for a match, there were even more rampant rumors.

After accompanying Jin Qi for two cups of tea, when I walked to the steps outside the hall and looked around, the bedroom at the end of the corridor remained tightly closed. The bright and flickering lights cast a vivid and striking reflection on the red gauze curtains, creating a festive atmosphere, with faint low laughter echoing out.

How much is known? Knowing that she is not General Lu's daughter is a minor issue, after all, this was Tang Tianxiao's idea. Regardless, the Empress Dowager would not want to embarrass her own son; however, if it were to be discovered that she is the daughter of Tang Tianxiao's wet nurse, would she be sent down the same irreversible path as her mother and brother for some unspeakable reason related to the royal family?

I curiously leaned my head in, more startled than he was, and hurriedly pulled my head back.

Jin Qi opened the cloth bag to take a look, and his small eyes immediately brightened. He hurriedly stuffed it back, saying, "Oh, miss, how can I accept this? Our virtuous consort is destined for great wealth and nobility, and in the future, I will still rely on the virtuous consort for support!"

It turns out that I was too foolish, actually believing that amidst the deceitful intrigues of the royal family, there could still be someone who harbors a sincere heart. I have unwittingly entangled myself in this, wasting nearly three years of concealing my talents and feigning ignorance, ultimately finding that even a peaceful existence is unattainable.

I first suspected that my illness had worsened, fearing that I might infect others, so I moved to another place to live; however, seeing that she never showed up, I couldn't help but ask Ning Shuang: "Where is Sister Ya Yi? Could it be that she has been sealed as a consort and moved elsewhere?"

Jin Qi said with a smile in a low voice: "Jie Yu, let's receive the imperial decree first and then talk!"

By the shore, clusters of lotus leaves are indeed swaying gracefully under the moonlight. The round moon in the sky and the round moon reflected in the water illuminate the scattered lotus leaves, resembling a beautiful woman lightly dressed, standing elegantly, as if dancing.

Gazing into his familiar dark eyes, I suddenly inhaled sharply, avoiding his outstretched hand, quickly grasping the railing from the other side, and stepping up with one foot. Just as I was about to place my other foot up, the man had already approached me, unabashedly reaching to grab my wrist.

Nanya's Confusion: "Who knows? She originally was with the Empress Dowager, then followed the Imperial Concubine in the Cold Palace, and then came to Chu to fall into the Great Zhou. Look, she has gone through so many storms and still maintains this calm demeanor, gentle and warm, with such boldness and meticulousness, which is indeed rare. One cannot help but wonder... could it be that while walking at night, she encountered something unclean? This Ruido is also an ancient capital of several dynasties, and throughout the ages, countless wronged souls have perished here."... One cannot help but wonder... could it be that while walking at night, she encountered something unclean? This Ruido is also an ancient capital of several dynasties, and throughout the ages, countless wronged souls have perished here.

At this moment, a furious shout from Empress Dowager Du suddenly echoed at the entrance: "Zhuang Bilian, you are so bold!"

What happened later

... ... Please take your time with the treatment!

I couldn't help but slightly raise the corners of my lips

Stepping out of the courtyard, I instructed them to continue closing the courtyard gate. I stood before the bluestone pavement at the entrance, glancing to both sides.

I smiled faintly, lifted the hem of my skirt, crossed over the railing, stepped onto the grass that submerged my ankles, reached for a lotus leaf by the water's edge, inhaled the subtle fragrance of the lotus, and slowly leaned against the lakeside stone by the pavilion to sit down, just like when I was sixteen, gently singing the ballads of Jiangnan