Chapter 8
In the Scarlet Pavilion, the air was thick with smoke and miasma all day long. The bold eunuchs dared to gamble openly in front of her, completely disregarding her status as a fifth-rank consort. For her three daily meals, all that was served on her table were some spoiled vegetables and cold rice. When she inquired about it, they merely stated that the Imperial Kitchen was too busy preparing new pastries for Consort Yun and had no time to attend to the meals in the Scarlet Pavilion
The Cloud Emperor lowered his eyelids, coldly concealing the icy snow that permeated his gaze. He used his fingertips to lift her drooping head, his thin lips slowly approaching Fei Yan's red lips
This is clearly a rhetorical question.
Fifteen-year-old Feiyan seemed to have grown up in an instant; she was no longer the child that her parents were frustrated with for not living up to their expectations, yet she still remained the cherished girl held in their palms. She had also distanced herself from the carefree days of school, devoid of the earnest teachings from her teachers and the seemingly real yet fictitious jokes about "pneumonia" from her classmates.
In the end, his voice unexpectedly carried a hint of hoarseness, causing Feiyan's heart to race uncontrollably.
From the outside, Ruan Ximu, who was tall and graceful, had her back facing towards him. Sitting in front of the desk was an extremely young man. Only one side of his face was visible, but the lines were smooth and gentle, and his appearance was stunning.
She swallowed the pastry with a heavy heart, her bright black eyes silently accusing
It's just because of that person who looks down on her, that she became tired and disgusted, and everything became distant. Even the closest relationships between people can become unfamiliar and indifferent.
Those moments that once unfolded before her, extraordinary in every way, whether filled with joy or anger, sorrow or resentment, now appeared so warm and invaluable in this magnificent yet indifferent palace
At the moment when Qiu Hong burst into the study, he clearly knew who was behind Ruan Ximu's recent abnormal behavior.
The one I value the most, has always been you, do not disappoint me.
As for today's matter, I will pretend it never happened.
Miss, how have you awakened...
The Cloud Emperor chuckled lightly, as if teasing a little mouse. He remained calm and composed, but a chilling coldness gleamed in his eyes, sharp as an icy blade, merciless and bone-chilling.
He suppressed his anger, and the cold words popped out from between his teeth one by one.
Ruan Ximu felt a sudden jolt in her heart, and immediately stepped forward to block in front of Qiu Hong.
Fei Yan endured for three days and finally could not hold back any longer.
Ruan Ximu's face sank unhappily, with a solemn tone, "If the king really feels troubled, it's fine, it's not important anyway. Please forgive me for having important matters to attend to, I will take my leave first."
Tilted his head, a round little face reflected in the bronze flower-inlaid mirror, with slightly immature features and chubby cheeks, looking pink and tender. Although not stunning, it can still be considered delicate and charming.
The maid in the general's residence handed her a wet wipe, and although she had been living a life where everything was handed to her on a silver platter for quite some time, Qiuhong still could not tolerate others meddling in her private affairs. Her injury had mostly healed, yet she could not forget the girl who had held her and cried uncontrollably—Second Miss Xiahou Jiang.
Du Zitong covered his injured right eye, his face dark with anger, and he gritted his teeth as he roared: "Xiahou Jiang, you must have the audacity of a bear and the courage of a leopard; in this Cangyuan, only you would dare!"
The young girl hurriedly got up, wiped her face, and looked in astonishment at the young man in front of her, who exuded a dangerous aura like a wolf, feeling a sense of foreboding in her heart
The young girl slowly reached out her hand, firmly grasping the lotus cake, and then, with lightning speed, stuffed it into her mouth while mumbling a vague response.
With your terrible reputation, how could you possibly think you are beautiful
She quietly extended her small hand, hesitating uncertainly; the consequences of being caught by the old woman for stealing food made her feel a slight shiver inside
Qiu Hong listened every day, unable to suppress her shivers. She had pleaded with Ruan Xi Mu several times, hoping to return to the palace to continue serving her family's second young lady, but each time she was categorically refused by Ruan Xi Mu.
Bang
Bang
He set down the teacup, a hint of a smile curling at the corners of his lips, "The moonlight is quite lovely tonight; I should be heading back."
The eunuch beside him would have almost burst into laughter if he were not afraid of provoking the wrath of Emperor Yun
Are you eating? Haven't you had enough to eat?
From afternoon to evening, it seems like just a moment in time
Well, yes...
"Ruan Ximu, no, what about the general?"
She hurriedly snatched the lotus cake he offered from his palm, chewing it desperately, striving to make her small face round and plump.
The young girl instinctively tilted her head to avoid his approaching fingertip, a shiver of unease coursing through her heart
The youth and the beauty share a romantic allure, within the brocade curtains of a spring night, love lingers on endlessly
Upon hearing this, Fei Yan suddenly realized, looking at the Cloud Emperor in disbelief, and a strange smile appeared at the corners of her lips.
You only eat two steamed buns a day, try to see if you can feel full
Du Zitang spoke softly, smiled gently, and leisurely took a sip of clear tea. Yuan Ximu behind him suddenly stiffened, a subtle chill rising from the depths of her heart.
This tea is quite good, with a light and floating green color, which appears to be very fine
In the room, only the noble lady Xiahou Jiang sat in the high grand master's chair, the young girl swinging her feet back and forth, seemingly unaware of her perilous situation, her lips and eyes still radiating a strong sense of joy.
It is already quite good to have something to eat; it is not due to the king's mercy. If it were someone else, they would have been dragged out and executed long ago. My lord, you should be content.
Your Majesty
The little girl suddenly jumped up with a "whoosh," deftly removing the cumbersome phoenix gold hairpins and the glass and jade ornaments from her head, tossing them aside, and then swaggering over to the table.
Suddenly, a wave of excitement surged within her, and in a moment of panic, she pushed open the large door, throwing herself to the ground and knocking her head down in a bow, "Your Majesty, allow this servant, allow this servant to enter the palace to serve the Second Miss."
The second time is now, Du Zitang employs a double entendre, revealing the hidden truth amidst laughter, decisively outmaneuvering Ruan Ximu.
The brutish eunuch pushed her aside and asked symbolically, "Are you still eating? If not, then let's clear this table of everything." Then, with a sweeping motion of his large hand, he sent both the leftover food and the cold dishes crashing to the ground
His aura suddenly intensified, and the air around him became taut.
This place is desolate and quiet
Hehe, the long night is endless, this evening, I shall gradually answer your questions and clarify your doubts.
The two stared at each other in silence for a while
If all bullies were like Yun Huang, possessing such a handsome and elegant appearance, it is likely that there would be no need for coercion or temptation; with just a flick of his little finger, virtuous young ladies would come flocking to him.
The fragrance of tea wafted gently, and behind the thin veil of mist, his beautiful narrow eyes sparkled with a calculating glint
Outside the door, there is a profound silence, and still no sign of movement
Upon opening his mouth to speak, Ruan Ximu indeed lost his original composure, and he immediately understood the situation clearly
However, he actually said that he is overweight
The palace maids, each adorned in light gauzy garments, with their delicate faces flushed like peach blossoms, skillfully moved their nimble little hands as they meticulously prepared fragrant baths for the drowsy little Feiyan, applying color to her cheeks and dressing her in a brocade robe of rosy hues
Enough, there is no need to beat around the bush at dusk. This matter of pleading for someone, doing it once is sufficient; if you keep doing it repeatedly, be careful that you may not even be able to protect the person you wish to safeguard.
In the middle of the night, Qiu Hong suddenly shivered, waking up from her dream.
Under the flickering flames, his face lost the harshness and intimidation of the daytime, with lines that were smooth and gentle, reminiscent of a bright moonlit night at the Twenty-Four Bridges, where a delicate young man in white rides lightly, every gesture exuding an indescribable charm
However, in just a brief moment, the two had already been thoroughly calculated against.
Miss Second
Fei Yan is young and has a carefree disposition. She is already being bullied by this group of cunning servants, and seeing that she is not favored, everyone has become even more unrestrained.
Fei Yan continued to stay, and her gaze became increasingly peculiar.
Suddenly, a loud noise echoed from within the room, and the main door swung open with a crash as the cloud emperor, with a face as dark as thunder, stormed out.
Du Zitong felt strange under her gaze, and just as he was about to get angry, a certain oblivious little girl couldn't help but burst into laughter, causing Du Zitong's expression to suddenly darken.
Speaking of urgency, the suddenly descending air is enough to make the autumn leaves tremble uncontrollably.
Fei Yan was taken aback, raising her head to look at him with a strange expression in her eyes
The cunning palace maid cast a sidelong glance, her expression a mix of a smile and a smirk as she made a sarcastic remark, leaving Fei Yan speechless
This situation is as funny as it can get.
Lotus Root Cake ... ... Glutinous Rice Balls ... ... Pumpkin Dumplings ... ...
The mood of the Cloud Emperor seems exceptionally good, as he slowly approaches, gently shedding his outer garment embroidered with a golden yellow dragon in flight, while the fiery red candles flicker with a bright glow
What an innocent Xiahou Jiang, looking at the face of General Xiahou Wen, do not make things difficult for her. Does Xi Mu truly think this king is ignorant of worldly affairs? When has General Ruan Xi Mu ever spoken of sentiment? If these words of sentiment were spoken by someone else, this king might believe it, but coming from your mouth, it is nothing but a great joke
Qiu Hong finally understood who the person in the room was; he was the Cloud Emperor
At this moment, the palace maids outside the door were laughing and chattering, accompanied by the sound of shuffling cards, "whoosh whoosh" in waves.
Hurry up, I have already declared my win in this round
They knew that the Cloud Emperor would no longer tolerate her, and thus all discontent erupted upon her, manifesting as numerous acts of tyranny by the servant against the master
The women in the harem all regard that person as their heaven and their deity. Such an extraordinary figure is like the bright, white moon that is beyond the reach of a humble talent like her, cold and distant. Even if she were to come close, it would still bring an indescribable joy.
Ruan Ximu knew which occasion he was referring to; the first time was when Xiahou Jiang had not yet entered the palace
Another heavy object fell to the ground, producing an even louder sound than the comb that was thrown earlier. The apple that was tossed onto the floor rolled a few times before coming to rest at the corner of the table.
The young girl gazed mournfully at Du Zitang, and upon seeing the beautiful and enchanting palace maids behind him, she closed her eyes and suddenly felt a sense of despair
The young girl was indeed beautiful and elegant, yet he had seen many beauties in the harem and had long grown tired of them. If Ximu liked her, he would be optimistic about it, but the premise was that it must not touch his soft spot
Xiahou Jiang, what are you doing
Action is faster than thought
So many delicious foods
I understand, Your Majesty
Your Majesty
I also know that one does not only favor one's own relatives, nor does one only cherish one's own children
Ruan Ximu clasped her hands in a formal farewell, as that figure in white gradually receded into the distance, the elegant silhouette standing tall yet solitary, much like the moon at this moment. Ruan Ximu was momentarily speechless, a gentle sadness welling up within her heart
The king is fond of it, and I immediately instructed the servants to deliver it to the palace. Just now, my words...
Du Zitong faced those bright eyes, and after a moment of difficulty, he turned his head, finding himself at a loss for words
The Cloud Emperor's narrow gaze swept across Ruan Ximu's face, then glided towards the window. The moonlight was as if washed clean, scattering a cold, clear radiance. Outside the window, the black earth and white stones shimmered with a layer of mercury-like glow.
Miss Er helped her during her most difficult time, and now is precisely when Miss Er needs her. She must not cowardly hide in the General's residence, allowing Miss Er to be consumed by the power struggles of the harem.
Which man can endure such humiliation, let alone the Cloud Emperor
All meals served are hereby canceled by this king
Fei Yan sat at the dining table, frowning, hesitating to bring the charred green vegetable to her mouth. After just one bite, she immediately spat it out
Eat something
She covered her lips, secretly laughing in her heart
He frightened the group of people following him, each of them shivering in fear, worried that the wrath of the Cloud Emperor would extend to themselves
Serve the meal
She is a person who has been deliberately isolated and cut off, as if all the noise and warmth in this harem have nothing to do with her
If it were in the past, Feiyan would have fought to the death to secure her own interests
The brows of the Cloud Emperor suddenly furrowed, and a murderous intent emerged. However, when Qiu Hong raised her face, he beheld such a beautiful countenance that even a suave figure like the Cloud Emperor couldn't help but curl the corners of his mouth into a playful smile
Clean and pristine, clear and transparent
This dish has already gone bad, how can you expect me to eat it
However, this time, Xiao Feiyan was not afraid at all
Do not think that, considering General Xiahou's reputation, I will tolerate you time and again.
The voice was filled with fury, causing those waiting outside the door to shiver unexpectedly, their hearts heavy with concern
Respectfully send off Your Majesty
... ... Eight tubes—Master, that day I personally heard the King say you are fat. Since you are so fat, you should eat less. Hey, what are you doing? Are you trying to steal the cards while I'm not paying attention!
Not far away, the eunuchs were shaking dice of various sizes in their hands, and in that small area, the sounds of betting on high and low were incessantly heard
Fei Yan stared at him blankly, finally understanding the meaning of the phrase "a feast for the eyes"
Take it slow, no one is competing with you... By evening, you will be tired...
Xiahou Jiang
Recently, rumors have been circulating widely in society
Clear the way, clear the way, do not block this area!
Oh, never mind
Since that day of serving in bed, it seems as though the entire world has turned upside down. What once bore a smiling face, feigning politeness, now greets me with a scowl. Those who were originally subservient and deceitful have become even more unrestrained in their contempt.
Wait—she, stay.
However, she has not eaten anything from noon until now
The sound of dishes shattering echoed in her ears, and she fell to the ground, looking at the people before her in disbelief
"Little Jieyu, whose courage did you borrow to dare defy this king"
Everyone says that the second young lady of the Xiahou residence has offended the imperial majesty this time. It seems that she has only been demoted three ranks, from a Jieyu to a Cailin. She hasn't lost her head or been sent to the cold palace, which is indeed a stroke of great luck. However, the harem is a place that devours people without leaving any bones.
Yet she resolutely kept him at the door
"Ximu, among all the courtiers, you understand this king the best. As you said, why should I let a trivial little girl dampen my spirits?"
Two small and exquisite red silk lanterns, each hanging at the corners, emit layers of soft warm light in a gentle haze
His ambiguous soft voice was drowned in the deep laughter, a sound that reflected the suppressed yet desire-laden tone of an adult man in front of the girl he cherished. Xiao Feiyan suddenly felt a shiver, as if the hairs on her neck stood on end.
Outside the door, the sharp voice of the eunuch interrupted the cold atmosphere inside the room, as well as the soaring anger of Emperor Yun
At the command of the Cloud Emperor, Ruan Ximu's face instantly darkened
Encountering her puzzled gaze, Du Zitong casually shifted the topic
In the end, she had curled up into a ball, pitifully hiding to the side, not daring to approach the exceptionally handsome young man who resembled a celestial being. All thoughts of hunger and fullness were cast far away.
Du Zitang slightly raised his narrow eyes, his long fingers flicking away the crumbs of pastry that clung to her cheek. His tone was unprecedentedly gentle, "Rest assured, I am not a harsh master. Today, as you serve me in bed, how could I let you go hungry?"
However, at this moment, driven by an animal instinct, she could only feel an indescribable chill rising from her heart
The little girl peeked her small head out, like a little mouse just emerging from its burrow, her dark eyes rolling around curiously. The door was tightly shut, and the white bed curtains billowed gently in the wind, with no sound in the surroundings
He was filled with anger, his tone cold. Someone replied with great vigor, and the smile at the corner of his eye made the originally intense anger of the Cloud Emperor rise to its peak.
Suddenly, the Cloud Emperor took two steps forward and grasped Xiao Feiyan's neck, his cold voice emerging from between his teeth, each word bursting forth with an unspeakable resolve and rage
She felt that the profile was somewhat familiar, yet she could not recall where she had seen it before, only feeling a slight sense of doubt
There is!
He offered the stunning foreign princess Namira as a tribute, in exchange for which he staved off the rising rumors surrounding the White Jade City, ultimately persuading the Cloud Emperor to agree to allow Xiahou Jiang to enter the palace
A profound silence enveloped the study, and an imperceptible atmosphere of danger gradually permeated the air
Even the palace maids waiting outside sensed the atmosphere inside, feeling a sense of imminent crisis.
They laughed and played in a group, treating Fei Yan as if she were air. After a few rounds, a small mountain of chips had already piled up in front of them.
But this is in a time and space completely unfamiliar to her, filled with the intrigues and deceptions of the harem, the hypocrisy of power, all of which she does not understand and never wishes to understand... Her tears could not help but well up in her eyes, yet she stubbornly clenched the cushion beneath her chair, holding back her tears.
When they first entered the palace, they flattered her and expressed their heartfelt loyalty in front of her, yet in the end, it was precisely this group of people who bullied her
Ruan Ximu understood everything with just one glance
I am not a rabbit, I want to eat meat
Clearly, one's life is of greater importance
In the elegantly exquisite room, Xiao Feiyan clasped her hands together, her gaze fixed on her nose, and her nose focused on her heart
I, what am I tired of?
Before me is a face so handsome that even in modern times, it would command the presence of a superstar, drawing screams from young girls wherever it goes
Those pastries, in shades of vermilion, emerald green, goose yellow, deep purple, snow white, and rose... So many colors, tender and vibrant, they are so vivid that just looking at them makes one eager and drooling.
The young girl had no time to think much and swung her fist fiercely at the handsome face of Yun Huang.
I can manage it myself
Suddenly, the sound of a heavy object falling to the ground arose from somewhere.
The more he spoke in such a gentle and lingering tone, the more astonished Fei Yan became
With a dull thud, Du Zitong cried out in pain, seemingly unable to believe that someone would dare to treat him this way. He stared in astonishment at the little girl before him, remaining silent for quite some time, but the air around them suddenly dropped several degrees.
Within the imperial city, the residence of the General of the Northern Town.
The study of the General's residence is located in the southwest courtyard, where the environment is secluded, and the birds chirp melodiously. Usually, only three or two maids and young servants are present to tidy up the miscellaneous items, and outsiders are not permitted to enter.
Is it possible? Is she very overweight
The young girl, carefree and lighthearted, nodded her head and a smile spread from the corners of her mouth to her ears
Having finished speaking, he subtly blocked Du Zitang's gaze, took hold of Qiuhong, and turned to head towards the door.
Just as his lips were about to press against hers
The sound of a conversation between two people came from the room
Everyone says that the master of the Scarlet Pavilion, in this lifetime, is finished, and there is no hope that the king will ever look at her again
Snap
Dong! - Dong!
Is it very funny
Fei Yan suddenly felt a wave of coldness, icy and chilling, spreading from her toes all the way to the depths of her heart
When it comes to eating, the emperor is paramount. The young girl boldly reached out and grabbed the closest lotus cake to herself.
A curious little girl, having removed her jingling accessories, had one sneaky little hand already reaching for a pastry on the table. At that moment, she raised her head in a mix of regret and confusion, looking back at herself.
So fat like this
The next day, the news of Jiang Jieyu colliding with the Holy Countenance and being demoted to a talent quickly spread throughout the imperial harem
Even so, everyone pursed their lips in unison, suppressing their laughter, while secretly speculating that given the temperament of the Cloud Emperor, it was likely that the Scarlet Master would inevitably be relegated to the cold palace this time.
Meanwhile, with a prolonged high-pitched voice proclaiming "The King has arrived," the tightly shut door creaked open with a loud "creak".
At this moment, Feiyan inexplicably experienced a hallucination, as if crimson roses were blooming one after another behind him, unknowingly releasing a faint and delicate fragrance, causing her heart to uncontrollably race.
In recent days, the servants of the Jiang Pavilion have all worn sorrowful expressions, their gazes towards Fei Yan filled with resentment, sympathy, but mostly self-pity. Moreover, some have even prepared their bundles, waiting for the tree to fall and the monkeys to scatter, ready for everyone to go their separate ways.
She warily raised her dark, glistening eyes, forgetting even the pastry in her mouth.
Do not need to go through so much trouble for serving in bed, she is clamoring for food.
The green lamp glows like a bean, casting shadows through the window, gently swaying
Her palms were damp with cold sweat as she hurriedly ran to the study
Du Ziteng raised his eyebrows with great interest.
The young girl opened her mouth in satisfaction, her smile radiant, with her hands and feet eager to move.
When the chair suddenly fell to the ground, making a loud noise, and there was still no movement outside the door, all of Fei Yan's remaining concerns vanished.
Perhaps... In the end, with just a few people instigating, the servant will create a few obstacles. Even if they are the children of nobles, their lives will be difficult to guarantee.
The Duke said, "These things may look beautiful, but they are just decorations, like the red gauze lanterns outside and the floral patterns inside the house. They are absolutely off-limits if the king is not present."
I have overstepped my bounds, and I hope Your Majesty can forgive my transgression. As for the matter of Miss Jiang, I will certainly not interfere.
He could not explain the inexplicable pain that arose in his heart, but only coldly mocked, "In my harem, there are three thousand beauties, each as light as a swallow and graceful as a willow. How can you, being this fat, have the audacity to say that?"
His tone was indifferent, and the young eunuch received the order, immediately stepping out of the Scarlet Pavilion while nervously wiping his cold sweat, directing others to prepare the meal
She is merely an inconsequential young girl, why must Your Majesty make things difficult for her? Even considering the reputation of General Xiahou, I humbly request that Your Majesty refrain from troubling her any further
Upon waking from this slumber, Qiu Hong felt an indescribable shock in her heart, as if she had been unceremoniously thrown into an ice cellar. From head to toe, a chill enveloped her, and a suffocating sensation surged forth.
In the distance, the sound of the gongs rang out, alternating between fast and slow, three times in succession. It was precisely the moment when the moon rose above the willow tips, marking the time of the night watch, and the palace maids were finally satisfied as they closed the red doors, dispersing to either side.
If placed in the original position, Fei Yan would surely be so excited that she would almost suffocate
He suddenly stood up, roughly pushing away the little person in his arms. Feiyan, who had been drowsily leaning against her, lost her support at that moment and uncontrollably slid down, landing with a thud and getting covered in dirt.
A circle of palace maids surrounded the entrance, engaged in a game of horse-drawn lottery. The palace maid closest to Fei Yan threw the card in her hand, while diverting some of her attention to sneer maliciously from the corner of her eye, all the while concentrating intently on the subtle movements of her fellow players. She was adeptly multitasking, managing both tasks with precision.
In contrast, Du Zitang felt an inexplicable tightening in his heart, followed by a fierce anger that even he could not articulate
Fei Yan's action of eating suddenly froze, her mouth full, as she once again felt a series of thunder and lightning rumbling above her head
Given the holy favor bestowed upon me, I kindly request that you release Xiahou Jiang as a favor to me.
Xiahou Jiang, you have quite a few tricks up your sleeve. If you don't want to serve me in bed, hmph, at this point, you have no choice but to comply. You belong to me, and I can do whatever I want with you. What can you do about it?
Your Majesty, the meal has arrived
This dialogue, with just a slight modification, could easily become a ready-made version of teasing peasant women.
No matter whether it is this unfamiliar maid or the General of the North, whatever decision Du Ziteng makes, no one can interfere.
Well, just a little snack, it should be fine.
Fat ... ....
He roared in anger, and there was a commotion outside the door. The eunuchs and palace maids had never seen the emperor so furious before. The timid ones were so scared that they lost control of their bowels and bladders, while even the brave ones turned pale.
This time, no matter what, she will not back down.
Du Ziteng chuckled lightly.
The general... The general should still be in the study now... Miss, where are you going? You can't go to the study. The general has ordered that no one should disturb him...
She recalled a scene from a certain movie she saw in a certain year and month, where a tyrannical landlord forcibly abducted a virtuous young girl.
The door opened, and the scene before their eyes left all the eunuchs and palace maids, including Emperor Lianyun, stunned.