Chapter Four, in the depths of the jade tower, it is said to be soul-stirring

Perhaps what he needs to do is merely this superficial work

And a glance can reveal the bright liquid in the jug, apparently impossible to tamper with.

Empress Shen still maintains the dignity and arrogance of a mother of a nation, accompanied by several concubines who flatter and joke with her. When I went to pay my respects, she didn't even lift her eyelids and played with the blue jade paperweight on the table, engrossed in her own conversation.

I lifted it to smell, probing a silver hairpin into one of the cups, and the brightness remained; as I curiously tested the other cup, I suddenly realized something was amiss

Shen Fengyi's implied meaning may not be understood by everyone; but the empress's decree is absolutely unquestionable.

Until a lower-ranking concubine came to pay her respects, Shen Fengyi smiled and allowed them to rise, as if she had just noticed me. "Oh my," she exclaimed, "when did Ning Zhaoyi arrive? Why are you kneeling like this? Doesn't your knee hurt? Quickly, rise!"

I stood up, still half-bent, hesitatingly standing behind the curtain.

I am filled with astonishment and fear in my heart.

Quietly instructed Ning Shuang to find Jin Qi to inquire about Tang Tianxiao's situation, but surprisingly, Jin Qi did not come out to meet her. Instead, he only sent a message through the eunuch, which was said to convey an ambiguous statement from Tang Tianxiao.

As soon as he exited the palace gates, he straightened his back and strode confidently towards the Qianyuan Hall.

Tang Tianxiao seemed not to have noticed his cousin's strange gaze. He held my hand and pulled me onto his lap with a little force. Then he put the half-full glass of wine to my lips and said with a smile, "It's hot today, and cooking must be tiring. Let me moisten your lips a bit!"

The request from the young eunuch sounded polite, but the arrogance and disdain in his eyes were not completely hidden, and it was feared that they could not escape anyone's scrutiny.

He pondered for a moment and asked slowly, "So, what was the name of the tune you played when I first met you?"

Unfortunately, he is ultimately too young and reckless. He only cares about displaying his youthful spirit for a moment, which he may later regret.

I gathered my sleeves, lowered my brows, and respectfully replied: "In response to the Lord Marquis, it is 'Jade Tower Spring'"

Even though I know that his gaze has not shifted from my silhouette in the slightest, I can only pretend to be unaware.

A tree that stands out in the forest is bound to be toppled by the wind

Had I known that Tang Tianxiao would be so devoted to me these past few days, I would have certainly been placed at the center of controversy. Such neglect, while it may reflect a lack of the national mother's magnanimity, does not diminish her imposing presence.

The only heroes in this world, besides Emperor Zhou Wudi Tang Chengyuan who passed away ten years ago, are the Regent Prince Tang Chengshuo. As for the successor, no one is more suitable than Tang Tianzhong.

I could not avoid it, lowering my eyelids, I slowly walked up to Tang Tianzhong and performed a respectful bow, saying: "I have met the Marquis!"

The sound of the jade flute is rather ordinary, and my thoughts are mostly on the tassel at the end of the flute, swaying uncertainly. I play it with a casual demeanor, yet my expression remains focused, not daring to show any signs of indifference

Indeed, not long after returning to the room, Ning Shuang hurriedly approached with a look of anxiety, and said in a low voice: "Zhaoyi, the Emperor's decree states that Lord Kang rarely comes to visit, and you, Ning Zhaoyi, must not dampen the mood. Go and play a flute to liven things up before resting again"

Without applying that secret potion that makes my skin rough, my complexion is still relatively fair, and my pair of eyes are dark and lackluster. Even though my features are well-defined and exquisite, I am merely a wooden beauty devoid of any charm.

Although I did not raise my eyes, I could still sense him slowly drinking while his sharp gaze scrutinized my face without any reservations.

I took the opportunity to free myself, hurriedly knelt down on the ground, pressing my palm against the painful chest and lungs, gasping for air and pleading for forgiveness: "Your Majesty, I am feeling unwell and have lost composure in your presence. Please forgive me!"

Taking the silk powder blush, I gently dabbed it on the edges of my lips, creating a vivid red hue. I also wore a golden-yellow lace long shirt adorned with butterflies and flowers, with golden tassels hanging down. This extravagant and resplendent style, which I could never quite contain, instead made me appear alluring yet somewhat vulgar.

They finished their home-cooked meal only after the hour of Wei

The palace maids serving in Yiqing Palace, although I do not know the depth of their backgrounds, even if there are spies among them, to attempt to poison in front of the two great masters, Tang Tianxiao or Tang Tianzhong, I fear they do not possess the capability to do so

Then, I shall add fuel to the fire! If he holds a grudge against Tang Tianxiao or against me because of this, so be it. After all, the influence of Empress Dowager Xuan and Emperor Jiahe in the court is not weak; I have Tang Tianxiao as a shield, and for the time being, he cannot do anything to me.

I struggled to turn my face away and said softly, "Your Majesty, I cannot drink."

His arm rested on the table, the sleeves of his dark silk robe cascading down, perfectly revealing the fierce and ostentatious claws of the embroidered golden python. His knuckles were thick, firmly gripping the jade wine cup, which he slowly raised.

Though spring thoughts are as chaotic as clouds, do not concern yourself with the world's feelings, which are as light as fluff. I urge you to frequently enter the land of intoxication, for this is a place free of sorrow and resentment

A storm has arisen, yet it is unknown how it will be quelled

His dimming eyes turned sharp again, carrying a sense of confidence as if he had calculated everything in his heart.

"To the fullest! To the fullest! It is rare for my elder brother to have the time to accompany me, how could I not enjoy myself?" Tang Tianxiao said with a smile, turning to me and saying, "Quick, play a tune for me to listen to, I also enjoy listening!"

The woman that Tang Tianzhong wholeheartedly desired has already become the beloved consort of Tang Tianxiao. Despite his extraordinary abilities, he is unable to change this reality

He must have been poisoned, and his actions are no longer under his control, making it impossible for him to act according to his own wishes, which forced me to find a way to protect myself

Although the crystal light is unstable and the colors flow, I can still see a few palace maids serving two men dressed in ordinary clothes, sitting opposite each other, engaged in endless laughter and conversation. There is no hint of hostility or hidden danger, resembling the brotherly discord that I can easily perceive from Tang Tianxiao's words and actions, merely an illusion akin to a cup, bow, and snake shadow.

It was General Tang Tianzhong who struck the empty wine cup against the table, looking at me with a smile that was not quite a smile, "Your Majesty, did you not say to have Ning Zhaoyi play the flute for our entertainment? What does a young girl need with wine? Are you dissatisfied with your foolish brother's company while drinking, is it not enough to be enjoyable?"

Embracing a hope that is becoming increasingly distant, a dream that is growing ever more elusive

Nanya Yi is not wrong; he is indeed a dormant dragon, a hawk with its wings folded

And can I, as Tang Tianxiao predicted, truly make Tang Tian feel both angry and furious, filled with shame and hatred, and leave in such a state

He twirled the wine glass, speaking in such a faint tone, yet his gaze never left my face for a moment

I am the tool he uses to flaunt his success, and I am also the pawn he uses to test Tang Tianzhong's bottom line

Tang Tian's lips lifted slightly at the corner, as if smiling, but there was no hint of a smile in the depths of his profound eyes.

But what he likes has always been the idealized lover in his own imagination, not the real me.

Tang Tianxiao is also unsure if I can drink alcohol. Seeing me like this, he loosened his arm.

Tang Tianzhong did not return the courtesy, and even remained silent for a while.

Tang Tianxiao understands music theory, but he cannot expect me to smile at this man who forcefully married Nanya Yi. Moreover, what he wants is simply to tell Tang Tianzhong a fact.

The person who misses him is Tang Tianzhong, his close cousin who used to chat and laugh with him over drinks.

In this season of late spring and early summer, the ever-changing and unpredictable nature of the weather makes this night seem particularly long and exceptionally cold

"Hmm, it seems that my stomach is a bit uncomfortable." His face turned slightly pale, and the hand pressing on his lower abdomen gradually began to tremble. Suddenly, he exclaimed, "Could it be that he actually dares to... dares to..."

His eyebrows furrowed again, stabilizing his swaying body. He took a deep breath and slowly walked away.

Tang Tianzhong was clearly stunned for a moment, then quickly concealed it and laughed coldly, "So you mean that even the woman I met by chance near Jingyi Courtyard that night was not you?"

First, give a stick, then send a plaster to soothe people's hearts. This is also one of the necessary abilities for those in high positions. In the chaotic situation, Tang Tianxiao has been able to hide his abilities until now, and even maneuver with ease. He can be considered as a smart emperor, much stronger than the incompetent last emperor of Nanzhou.

But why would one think of boiling hot tea now

Oh... Tang Tianzhong looked at Tang Tianxiao thoughtfully, then poured a full cup of wine for him.

I truly cannot believe that a man who has grown up amidst slaughter and bloodshed, a man who is deeply calculating and skilled in schemes, would have the patience to refine any melody

As for me, having shown my face in front of Tang Tianzhong, I suppose there is no longer any business for me, at least for the time being

His phoenix-like eyes narrowed slightly, and he suddenly furrowed his brows. Pressing on his chest and abdomen, he sat down on a nearby chair and, with a frown, said to Qin Yue: "Bring me a cup of hot tea."

After a moment of silence, I smiled and replied: "My lord, I have already been reprimanded by Her Majesty the Empress for playing this piece, as it is deemed too mournful and not suitable for the consorts; moreover, His Majesty has also stated that it is better for the palace to be lively and harmonious, therefore I will no longer play these ominous tunes."

All the concubines were somewhat taken aback, and Du Xianfei smiled and said, "Does Your Majesty also enjoy the small dishes from Jiangnan?"

But after so many years of living on thin ice, even alcohol has become a luxury. As the wine enters my melancholy heart, I may inadvertently reveal emotions that should not be revealed. Who knows what kind of trouble it may cause?

The consort Du by my side smiled and said, "Not bad, not bad. Having seen the splendid and noble peonies so often, it's inevitable to feel a moment of freshness upon seeing wildflowers and weeds outside. Her Majesty the Empress is generous and naturally won't take it to heart."

The little palace maid was startled for a moment, lowered her head and responded, then stepped back and closed the door.

Although cooking was just an excuse for Tang Tianxiao to appreciate me and make me his concubine, even though I came from a noble family, later on, while living a peaceful life in the Deshou Palace, I also learned the art of cooking and embroidery out of boredom. I can be considered knowledgeable about the tastes of those noble ladies who have long been in the palace. The Empress Dowager Du of Southern Chu praised my culinary skills and often asked me to cook a few appetizers in her small kitchen.

Tang Tian is an impressive figure. This is already our third encounter, but each time we meet briefly, he always manages to leave me with a thrilling impression. He is like a vortex, with a deep and unfathomable abyss, emitting a dangerous aura from afar. I do not want to get too close to him, lest I accidentally fall into the deadly vortex and become an inexplicable sacrifice.

The silk strings emit a series of pleasant and melodious sounds, soft and familiar.

Tang Tianzhong, the man with deep-set eyes that have a slight indentation, is sitting upright in the hall just a few dozen steps away from me, exuding an imposing aura as he awaits the revelation of the answer

He has already married Ya Yi as his primary consort, and I have also become a concubine of the Zhou Emperor. Is this not enough to dissuade him from his thoughts?

His master is the supreme queen of this palace, while I am merely a weak woman with neither background nor wisdom

The pace remains as usual, with the elegance and nonchalance between the brows unchanged as always; however, when gazing towards the southeast, an inscrutable glint of cold light flashes in the eyes.

The night was very calm, at least on the surface it seemed relatively tranquil

If he knows that I played "Bu Suan Zi" that day, then he has no reason not to know that it is the same piece I played two years ago by the Lotus Pond

Mushroom and vegetable hearts, fragrant pickled water bamboo, steamed magnolia slices, and stir-fried shrimp are all light and refreshing dishes that are neither greasy nor heavy. I have heard that the guests in the outer hall have already arrived, accompanied by the delicate sounds of silk and bamboo, along with the faint laughter of Tang Tianxiao.

A palace maid has come forward to lift the beaded curtain for me

The sound of "du" is very muffled

I shudder involuntarily

Is this kind of wooden beauty something Lord Kang would like

If I outright deny it by saying it is not the case, he will most likely point out a flaw in my words and come over to ask me, "How do you know I am referring to you?" I have no need to confront this powerful man face to face.

The corner of my eye subtly glanced at Tang Tianxiao, who was rolling his eyes and smiling at Tang Tianzhong while speaking to me: "You little girl, you really are useless. You choked on just one sip of wine? I do enjoy my drinks, and if you want to serve me well, you must practice your tolerance for alcohol."

I furrowed my brow and said, "You may leave; I am merely here to see... whether the dishes are to the taste of His Majesty and Lord Kang."

He waved his hand and said in a low voice: "You need not worry about me. Just remember, if anyone asks, simply say that I was fine when I left the palace"

The conflict between brothers and the struggle for imperial power are matters that pertain to men; it is best for me to keep my distance from them

This set of jade wine vessels is exceedingly precious, thus the cups and bowls used by the Tang Tianxiao brothers have been specially set aside to prevent any collision or damage

He? '' Tang Tianxiao smiled, `` Perhaps... perhaps they have not left the palace. The regent and his son, for the sake of our great Zhou dynasty, rise early and retire late, unable to sleep peacefully; how could they possibly entrust the entire palace to me, this young child? Apart from the regent's residence, the Qinzhen Hall in the inner court, which was once a military stronghold of Nanchu, has now become the regent's council chamber within the palace! ''

The cups have long been emptied, yet there remain one or two drops of residue pooling in the concave bottom of the cup, exuding a faint aroma of wine

Is that so?" Shen Fengyi said with a faint smile, turning her head to give instructions, "Ning Zhaoyi's culinary skills are exceptional, and I would like to taste them as well. Very well, please invite Ning Zhaoyi to sit in the Qinshi of Xiqing Palace for a while. After I visit His Majesty, we will decide what dishes to have for lunch.

He said that I was inextricably linked to him, yet he quietly summoned the imperial physician to his own chamber for treatment, clearly not wanting to escalate the matter or implicate me.

Regarding the future, regarding happiness

He disregards the thoughts of both me and Empress Dowager Du, intending to use the excuse of being infatuated at first sight to force me to become his concubine

A few words made Shen Fengyi's smile appear more genuine

These enchanting festivities are ultimately distant from me

A set of a pot and cups, all made of jadeite, clear as ice and pure as water, warm and flawless. Among them, the wine pot still contains nearly half of the wine, and when viewed through the translucent jadeite, it appears even more refreshing and transparent, with a soft luster. When tested with a silver hairpin, there is likewise no sign of any anomaly.

Unable to sleep through the night, when I woke up my eyes were somewhat darkened, I took some makeup and spent a long time trying to cover it up

Phoenix towers and jade palaces, golden threads and jade pipes, spring breezes in the flourishing courtyard, fragrant silks everywhere

With a silent sigh, I still did not show the slightest hint of displeasure, responding with lowered brows and a compliant demeanor, I bowed and withdrew, not casting another glance at Tang Tianzhong.

His good elder brother personally poured wine for Tang Tianxiao, a hint of barely perceptible sarcasm at the corner of his lips, his dark eyes deep and silently flashing with a sharp brilliance

Tang Tianxiao glanced at Tang Tianzhong and smiled, saying: "This is my elder brother, Tianzhong. We are family, bound by blood and kinship, so there is no need to be overly cautious. Come over and meet him!"

As she spoke, she had already flicked her sleeve, leaving behind the consorts she had not yet dismissed, and hurriedly walked out.

Tang Tianxiao, living in luxury and comfort, inevitably carries the air of some wealthy young masters. It is commendable that at this moment, he can still consider my safety.

In the depths of the palace for many years, I have long known that in the inner court, even without matters at hand, one can still stir up three parts of turmoil. How much more so when it concerns the safety of the emperor and the state. A person like me, with no roots or foundation, if even slightly involved, would find no place to be buried in death

Looking in that direction, it is clearly the Qianyuan Hall

The matter of Tang Tianxiao being poisoned or ill can no longer be concealed. The Empress is already aware, and figures such as Empress Dowager Xuan, the Regent, or Lord Tang Tianzhong must have long been informed.

Upon hearing this, Shen Fengyi's expression indeed improved somewhat, the corners of her lips curving into a faint smile as she played with the jade bracelet adorned with red gold and emeralds on her wrist. With a sigh, she remarked, "Indeed, if we were to discuss it in detail, although the Emperor is somewhat young, he is after all a close relative whom I have known since childhood. He still holds me in regard; just a few days after the grand wedding, the gifts he bestowed have already filled half of my room."

The sound of the flute is indeed not remarkable, yet the jade quality is smooth and fine. When it gently touches the lips, it brings an exceptionally refreshing clarity to the mind

"Because it was prepared by you, if anything happens to me, you cannot escape responsibility." Tang Tianxiao frowned again, his face gradually turning pale.

Tang Tianzhong fixed his gaze upon me, savoring these few words with a playful bite. His eyes were sharp as knives, as if he sought to pierce through my lowered eyelids to see into my soul, to discern whether I was indeed the woman of the moonlit night he had been desperately searching for over the past two years

The weather is actually still not too hot. Inside Yiqing Palace, a century-old banyan tree flourishes with lush foliage, making the buildings here a bit quieter and cooler than elsewhere. However, at this moment, large drops of sweat are already dripping from Jin Qi's forehead

Having spent a long time in the palace, they should have developed a sense of propriety. There are certain matters that should be inquired about, while others should not be spoken of excessively

To elaborate, there is a distinction between the inner and outer courts. I am a concubine of the harem, and although Tang Tianzhong is of royal blood, he should avoid meeting me. However, since Tang Tianxiao has summoned everyone to the harem, it is evident that he does not regard the palace rules and is deliberately intent on having us meet.

Tang Tianxiao walked over, clapping his hands and saying: "Why don't you continue playing? After all, a master is a master. Look at how you, Qingwu, with just a flick of your fingers, can turn the broken qin and ruined xiao in this Yiqing Palace into unparalleled treasures of the world"

The survival rule of the palace has always been the law of the jungle. When Tang Tianxiao, who is willing to protect me, is unable to ensure his own safety and the icy mountain cannot be relied upon, it is destined that I will be the one to be sacrificed

My gaze is directed towards the wine jug and cups

Seeing him stand up, I nervously stepped forward to assist him

Tang Tianxiao, who grew up in the depths of the palace, though deeply concealed and harboring hidden schemes, cannot yet compare to his cousin in terms of age and experience

Indeed, after hastily finishing a piece, the first words he spoke confirmed my suspicion

The sky is a clear blue, with not a cloud in sight, so pristine that even the vibrant and colorful flowers blooming in the Xiqing Palace appear overly enchanting and lively.

In fact, the testing in the dishes is certainly unnecessary. Those simple home-cooked dishes, although I did not purchase or wash the ingredients, I personally prepared the meals and tasted them myself. If there were truly any issues, I should be the first to encounter them

It is not entirely true that one abstains from alcohol

Standing behind Tang Tianxiao, gentle yet indifferent, I did not take up Tang Tianzhong's words, merely pretending to be truly dull and foolish, completely oblivious to the ways of the world and human emotions

Over the past three years, I have also grown accustomed to enduring it, silently kneeling without speaking.

Lowering my gaze, I faced the golden silk tassels swaying with the wind on the jade flute, and I gently played a tune of "Jade Tower Spring"

I steadied my posture and gracefully parted the curtain to pay my respects: "This humble servant, Ning, pays her respects to Your Majesty!"

His gaze lightly swept across his cheek, and I still lowered my brows and eyes, softly replying: "My lord must have mistaken me for someone else. Today is merely our first meeting."

The young palace maid hurried over and said with a smile: "Your Highness, these coarse and laborious tasks, we can take care of them."

Arriving neither too early nor too late, with a makeup that is neither extravagant nor shabby, and with words and smiles that are appropriately gentle and compliant, it does not appear overly humble, yet it certainly does not give Empress Shen any impression of frivolity or recklessness

I curved the corners of my lips, allowing my smile to appear humble and natural, and respectfully replied: "Your Majesty the Empress and Her Highness the Virtuous Consort are correct. Each region nurtures its own people; those from the North possess a bold temperament, and even the women exhibit a vigor that is difficult for the women of Jiangnan to match. Your Majesty the Empress is a rare beauty among people, and we, the lowly ones, can only look on in awe.

Quietly, I secured the doors and windows tightly from the inside, and pulled out a small white pearl silver hairpin from my hairline. I carefully sampled the remaining soup and dishes in the bowl one by one

Knowing that the current political power is in the hands of the regent, Empress Dowager Cixi is not an ordinary weak woman. She first stood out among the many concubines of Emperor Wu, becoming the Empress who embodies the virtues of motherhood. After her husband's death, she quickly seized the opportunity to place her own flesh and blood on the throne, establishing her own power.

Although she is a widow and an orphan, for over a decade, Empress Dowager Xuan has skillfully maintained a balance between the regent and the high-ranking officials of the court without revealing her intentions. While the subjects have expressed some discontent regarding the young emperor's extravagant behavior, they still hold Empress Dowager Xuan in high regard. Moreover, with the state still unstable, it would likely not be an opportune moment for the regent and his son to take action against the new emperor.

Moreover, if the poisoner is targeting the Great Zhou, then both individuals should be poisoned together

He looked up at me and said softly, "Yes, I will go over there myself to call someone."

Tang Tianxiao turned her head, her phoenix eyes slanting playfully, and said with a giggle: "Qingwu, there are no outsiders here, so let's skip the formalities! Come out!"

I immediately sensed something was amiss and quietly asked, "Your Majesty, what is the matter?"

His phoenix-like eyes were filled with laughter, and his gaze was warm and gentle. I guessed that he must have felt guilty for deliberately making things difficult for me in front of Tang Tianzhong, which is why he said these words to comfort me afterwards

As the wine glass tilts at the lips, the liquid swiftly glides into the mouth

What piece is this? The sound coming from you feels... very interesting

Although it is a name without substance, to outsiders, I have seemingly transformed overnight from a palace maid of a fallen nation to a second-rank imperial concubine, which can be considered quite glorious. Whether I am willing to admit it or not, this identity has become my protective cover, allowing me to remain unscathed in the turbulent power struggles among the imperial brothers.

The wine is exquisite, yet I dare not taste it. With a gentle roll of the tongue and a deep breath, I inadvertently send the liquid down my throat, only to immediately cough, my face turning crimson, and tears welling up in my eyes.

In this light, I can only conclude that Tang Tianxiao's conjecture must be correct

I adjusted the phoenix head adorned with coral beads and a golden hairpin, then deliberately picked up a purple jade flute that was used as a decoration in the music room. I played a few notes, the sound was quite ordinary, and then I slowly walked towards the main hall ahead.

As soon as he entered the room, Ning Shuang had already brought over the tea. However, it was now early summer, and being young at heart, he was fond of coolness and averse to heat, thus he did not enjoy scalding hot tea. Therefore, the tea prepared by Ning Shuang and the others was always merely warm tea.

Your Majesty

I do not remember

Preparing a few simple home-cooked dishes is not a big problem. With the help of Ning Shuang and Qin Yue, several small dishes were quickly served on the table

Hearing the distant sound of the sheng and xiao gradually fade, I finally felt at ease, let out a sigh, and walked to the window by the qin, gently brushing my fingers across the strings.

Although it is spicy, it is not lacking in rich aroma

Ning Zhaoyi's skills are indeed remarkable, just as unusual as your melody. He did not require the palace maids to serve him, but took it upon himself to fill Tang Tianxiao's jade cup, and then filled his own, laughing as he said, "Very well, it seems this marquis has made a mistake, mistaking you for another woman I know. However, I have heard that Ning Zhaoyi once played a piece called 'Bu Suan Zi' in the Empress's palace, so moving that it made the phoenix weep blood and the flowers lose their color. Could you play this piece for me to listen to?"

My heart tightened suddenly, and I hurriedly stepped forward, cautiously probing him: "Your Majesty, you are suspicious... suspicious... however, all the dishes and soups today have been personally prepared by me, there can be no problem."

However, under the watchful eyes of tigers and wolves, I do not know if he has the opportunity to soar to great heights and make a remarkable impact that would shake the world

In a fleeting encounter, is there truly such a thing as love at first sight

He said that the Zhaoyi, being exceptionally intelligent, would naturally know how to protect herself

The corners of his lips lifted once more, the curved line of his lips clearly suggesting a smile, yet it bore an air of defiance akin to that of a hawk eager to break free into the sky, as if he scoffed at my words and my identity.

Moreover, the chopsticks they used were all made of ivory wrapped in silver. If there were poison in the food, the silver would immediately change color. How could Tang Tianxiao possibly fail to notice? Furthermore, the chopsticks they had used were also set aside, and the silver wrapping showed no signs of change.

I had the cooked bamboo shoot and fish soup sent up, and I went back to the bedroom to rest. I quietly instructed Ning Shuang to inform Tang Tianxiao that Ning Zhaoyi suddenly felt unwell and was afraid of losing her composure in front of the Emperor, so she had gone to rest in the inner hall.

Rather than saying that I am being humiliated, it is more accurate to say that this is an opportunity to humiliate Tang Tianzhong.

Since Tang Tianxiao wishes to bestow upon Tang Tianzhong a ridiculous and mediocre image, it is certainly not wrong to recite a piece of "Yulouchun" while indulging in the beauty of the world during a time of peace and prosperity. Throughout history, many have been misled by false reputations, both in life and after death; thus, seeking timely pleasures can be considered a way of not letting oneself down.

What a pity

The young eunuch lowered his head and did not dare to respond

Sitting in front of the vanity, I stared somewhat numbly at the vacant face in the mirror

It is! I lowered my head and responded in a low voice

The young eunuch from Xiqing Palace approached me, wearing a proper yet indifferent smile, and made a gesture of invitation, saying: "Ning Zhaoyi, please proceed!"

Ning Zhaoyi, please!

Two people at the same table are drinking, one cup is poisoned, and the other cup is not poisoned

With a faint and respectful smile, I cautiously replied, "My lord, this humble girl is dull-witted and does not understand what you are referring to. I truly do not recall... when I have encountered you, my lord."

I humbly replied with a smile: "Your Majesty, the Empress, is jesting. I, Qingwu, am merely a clumsy palace maid. To have received the Emperor's temporary favor is already a great fortune; how could I dare to forget my place? Your Majesty comes from a noble family, adorned with gold and jade, and has long been a harbinger of maternal grace and prosperity for the nation. You are indeed the one held in the Emperor's heart above all else"

However, I am fully aware that if it is confirmed that Tang Tianxiao was poisoned, the first to be implicated will undoubtedly be me

As for the musical scale

Tang Tianxiao, with her plain yellow sleeves, lazily leaned against the back of the chair and said nonchalantly: "Oh... that piece of music... indeed has a mournful and sorrowful tone, quite inappropriate. Hmm, Brother Tianzhong, if she doesn't want to play, then let her be, it would save us from having our spirits dampened!"

In saying this, I both shift the matter to Tang Tianxiao, who I believe will not make things too difficult for me; and I also remind Tang Tianzhong that the woman before him is not an ordinary palace maid, but one of the most esteemed concubines in the imperial palace.

I responded softly, respectfully stepping aside, and raised the purple jade flute

Did Lord Kang leave the palace?

Hatred, anger, and the stubborn defiance of unwillingness silently seep out with a grandeur that is utterly incongruous with him

Tang Tianxiao's expression was unprecedentedly ambiguous and frivolous, with a hazy intoxication evident in his phoenix-like eyes. He unexpectedly reached out to gently touch my face with his finger and said with a smile, "It’s alright, I will teach you how to drink, and you will gradually learn. Come, have a sip!"

Before them stands the current emperor, as well as the son of the regent who holds the real power of the Zhou dynasty. What they should listen to is, of course, the grandeur and romance of the prosperous era. At least from the perspective of the women in the imperial harem, who are fulfilling their duties, it should be so

Tang Tianxiao, while drinking, displayed an expression of impatience and waved his hand at me, saying: "If you are not going to sing, then hurry up and get lost? Watch me find a few more talented and beautiful singers to entertain myself!"

He asked me to find a way to protect myself, clearly indicating that he is in a precarious situation and lacks the confidence to ensure my safety

A heaviness settled in my heart, yet I dared not show the slightest sign of it on my face, still smiling as I replied: "Yes, yesterday the Emperor was in high spirits and invited Lord Kang to come over. I prepared a few small dishes and we had a few cups of wine."

As expected

If the younger sisters are interested, they may come to taste it at noon. The flavor that this palace loves may also be to everyone's liking

He actually mentioned the first meeting from two years ago openly

Once upon a time, it was distant, and even more distant thereafter

The dining utensils used by Tang Tianxiao at noon are all before me. If it were not for this moment when someone was poisoned, when else would there be an opportunity for someone to take advantage of it

The panic of the young eunuch was immediately conveyed to the palace maid in an instant, and then the palace maid quietly relayed it to Empress Shen. Shen Fengyi's face suddenly turned pale; she pressed her hands on the table and stood up, whispering fiercely at the young eunuch: "What did you say?"

He did not continue speaking, nor did he even drink the hot tea that was brought to him. After pondering for a moment, he stood up again and softly said to Jin Qi: "Summon the imperial physician to Qianyuan Hall. Remember, bring him over quietly, and do not disturb too many people."

Tang Tianzhong's heart was set on the woman he wished to bring home, calling her over and over again. Observing his frustration yet being unable to express it, perhaps he was also quite content

She turned her head and reproached the maid beside her: "Why didn't you inform this palace when Ning Zhaoyi came over? If the one whom His Majesty has been thinking about is harmed while kneeling, who among you can bear the responsibility?"

Everyone knows that the Great Zhou has just been established, and the people's hearts are still unstable. Within the Great Zhou, there are former officials of the Southern Chu contemplating change, while externally, the Northern He and Jiaozhou are armed and seizing territory, eyeing the situation with great vigilance. However, now, seven or eight tenths of the Central Plains have already fallen into the embrace of the Great Zhou, which is undoubtedly a great nation of the Celestial Empire, and the pacification of the world is just around the corner. If these two men at the pinnacle of power in the Great Zhou can truly enjoy the spring and autumn of their lives after stabilizing the realm, it would not be an unfortunate event for the common people.

The tip of the hairpin, slightly dampened by a few drops, has already changed color, becoming increasingly darker. Soon, it stains into a small, sharp segment of deep black before my eyes, creating a stark contrast with the hairpin's bright silver, which is striking to behold

Yet, the undercurrents are surging, and whirlpools are densely scattered, which has become an unexpected occurrence

Shen Fengyi slowly sat down again, looking around, ignoring the inquiring gazes of the favored concubines beside her. She slightly leaned forward to look at me, her overly bright and thick lips parting as she spoke: "Ning Zhaoyi, the Emperor had his lunch with you yesterday at noon, didn't he?"

If the matter of Tang Tianxiao being poisoned or ill has not been made public, I have no reason to show any unusual behavior that would arouse suspicion. I can only don a bright blue flower-patterned palace dress and continue with my usual grooming, visiting the Empress Shen Fengyi at Xiqing Palace as if nothing were amiss

Tang Tianzhong's eyes, which sparkled with brilliance, gradually dimmed, slowly turning as he began to linger over the food and wine on the table

Upon exiting the palace gates, I raised my eyes to gaze at the vast sky

She nodded slightly, waved her hand, and was about to instruct me to leave when a young eunuch rushed in from outside, hurriedly approached the queen's personal maid, and whispered a few words in her ear

The dark eyes, sharp as a hawk, seem to pierce through the curtain's shadow to see right through me

After Tang Tianxiao departed, I went to the kitchen to inspect the cups, plates, and chopsticks that had been removed.

It is indeed from elementary school, and although my hands may be inexperienced, even with a gentle touch, I can evoke a sense of ease in the music that flows freely from my heart.

Just as they reached behind the curtain, the figure of one person seemed to stiffen for a moment, slowly turning to gaze in this direction

Having grown accustomed to flattery, Shen Fengyi neither affirmed nor denied Du Xianfei's words, regarding me with a smile that was neither fully a smile nor a frown, and slowly remarked: "Indeed, it is quite delicate. The landscapes of Jiangnan are truly different from those of our northern regions; even the skin of the girls here is fairer and more refined than ours in the north. The Emperor is young and seeks novelty and amusement, which is only natural."

Upon carefully recalling the events surrounding Tang Tianxiao's arrival at Yiqing Palace, I became increasingly certain that the tampering must have occurred during lunch. Therefore, I meticulously examined the tableware and dishes once more, and then I noticed two cups.

In front of the dragon and phoenix auspicious archway made of red lacquered rattan, a crystal bead curtain sways gently, lifted and lowered by the breeze that passes through the wide-open partition window, producing a delicate and crisp tinkling sound.

At least in my experience, the feelings I developed with Zhuang Bilian, Nan Yayi, and Tang Tianxiao gradually emerged as we grew up together as childhood sweethearts. Although Li Mingchang, the deposed king of the Southern Chu, is my cousin, his noble status meant that I was raised in seclusion and had little opportunity to meet him. After my parents passed away one after another, I was taken into the inner palace by Empress Dowager Du, and amidst the splendor of the harem, Li Mingchang raised his head and, by chance, saw me, equally astonished.