Chapter 5: If one teaches the world to be free from parting and resentment

"Is that person Shang Baiwen?" Yue'er suddenly whispered his name in my ear, not knowing how she guessed it. I was somewhat startled, my face flushed and my eyes wide open as I locked gazes with Yue'er. Seeing the look of surprise on my face, she realized she must have guessed correctly and explained to me, "His Majesty's affairs, he is also aware of them. You have always been clever, you must have figured it out long ago."

I leaned against him, standing by the horse, unsure whether I should speak to him or gaze at him. For twenty-six years, I have lived in a daze, my life controlled by the commands of my parents and the edicts of the sovereign. Now, I have finally encountered someone who awakens and illuminates my life.

Since then, he has been filled with suspicion towards all the women around him, personally managing the trivial matters of the harem, constantly preventing them from betraying him. Over time, he has become utterly exhausted. It was not until the appearance of Su Liangyue that he felt a hint of sincerity from a woman, and thus he simply transferred the authority to manage the harem to Su Liangyue

By some strange twist of fate, I suddenly grasped his hand. ... Indeed, my heart was in turmoil; if we were to return to that place and encounter the officials sent by the emperor for inspection, or if those soldiers who had abandoned their posts were to return ... . ... The consequences would be unimaginable

On Hengfen Road, the lonely flute and drum of yesteryears, the desolate smoke still lingers over the plains of Chu

Feigning death to escape the palace

You should have something to say

Summer Resort Palace, Eternal River and Mountain Hall

While speaking, please make way to facilitate my entry

Shang Baiwen looked at me and smiled, then, in the blink of an eye, took out a slender soft sword from the saddlebag on the horse's back. Amidst the flashes of blade and sword, everyone was struck down to the ground.

Seeing that there was no response to her numerous inquiries, Shang Wanjiao, with a forceful tone, pressed further: "With such thoughts in your heart, are you not worried that one day the suspicious emperor will discover them and implicate your entire family"

"Sixth Brother, are you hiding something in your heart?" Shang Wanquan not only possesses an ethereal and stunning appearance, but her words are also astonishing. She boldly and directly questioned her brother in front of me, leaving me somewhat at a loss for how to respond

"Shuyi, please rise." The Emperor instructed Yang Shuyi to get up and signaled for a wooden stool to be moved for her to sit. For some reason, while he had always been very interested in Yang Shuyi in the past, today he only wished to converse with her. He observed Yang Shuyi, who was clearly very tired yet timidly refrained from showing it, and smiled, "Does Shuyi have someone she holds dear?"

When I woke up again, I found myself lying in a room, with a little Taoist priestess dozing beside me. Gazing at the silhouette of the priestess, I fell into a trance. The Shang Baiwen from my dream told me that he would take me to the lively temple of the Yue King's consort. Could it be that I have truly arrived at the lively temple, and that the Shang Baiwen in my dream is actually the real Shang Baiwen?

Even if my relationship with Shang Baiwen is clandestine, even if it goes against morality, this is a moment of joy that I have stolen from the fingers of heaven, how could I bear to let it go

Now that I have returned to the palace, all my trusted aides are at the summer retreat, Hanqiu Pavilion. The Empress must have already taken control of the remaining palace maids and eunuchs in Luan Yi Palace before me. Any unusual behavior on my part, if discovered, could be exploited by the Empress for her own purposes, not to mention the extremely private matter of my personal clothing being changed.

The emperor noticed the subtle changes in his expression and movements, and immediately called out to him, saying: "Speak plainly, hiding things only makes me uncomfortable." A string of beads halted the intention to retreat, and the letter hidden in his sleeve was presented to the emperor

Indeed, what the Emperor intends to do may be to eradicate the deeply entrenched influence of the Xiao family within the court. We are already thorns in the Empress's side, so we must be particularly cautious in our words and actions, leaving her no opportunity to act against us

Fortunately, fate brought Su Liangyue to his side, allowing him to truly experience the taste of love. Although he had betrayed Su Liangyue to some extent, professing his love for her while simultaneously being preoccupied with Shang Wanquan, who was far away in Huopuguan.

Before leaving, Shang Baiwen helped me clear the bodies at the scene. Although he referred to it as cleaning, it was merely moving the bodies behind a large tree or into the bushes, hastily covering the bloodstains with dirt. Then, he placed me in the previous carriage and left first.

"I am just afraid that even the heavens will wrong us, causing others to misunderstand that you and I have any illicit matters. " I remain deeply worried, as I see this rare horse has already arrived at the foot of the mountain. I pointed to the nearby carriage and said, "They say those soldiers will not return for a while, but what if..."

Are you practicing the Qingcheng Mountain Sword Technique? I am solely curious to know from which school or sect he learned such elegant swordsmanship

Since she is the legitimate consort of a prince, I must first pay my respects with a formal greeting: "Your Highness, it is an honor to meet you"

"When you followed your father to the army in your youth, did you ever learn a move or two?" I quietly assessed my opponent, contemplating the difficulty of defeating them all. If Shang Baiwen does not possess any martial skills, can I manage to retreat with him unscathed

The moon walked to the sink to wash the ointment off her hands, turned around with a gentle smile, and said to me: "She wouldn't worry about her family; she only worries about herself and the wild men outside"

The Empress must have already received the news that all the people she sent have been killed. If she believes she is justified, within the next couple of days, there will surely be an imperial decree from the Empress, fabricating a charge that could sentence you to death, and she will dispose of you at the earliest opportunity

A string of beads bowed and reported to the emperor: "They send a letter every month, and over the course of fifteen years, there have been one hundred and eighty letters exchanged"

There are almost no other charges that could directly cost me my life, only the charge of "cohabiting with others." Not to mention having concrete evidence, even if it were mere rumors, with the emperor's temperament, it would be enough for me to face dire consequences. However, three hundred miles away at the summer palace, a storm has already disturbed the queen's peace.

The wind and rain come together, and the building is on the verge of collapse

Without mentioning the distant matters, I have yet to engage with Shang Baiwen, You Hong, and Ti Cui, yet I have been unjustly branded with a bad name in such a muddled manner, which is truly unfair

"Rest assured, it will not happen." Shang Baiwen always smiled, gently comforting me

I finally understand why Du Liniang in "The Peony Pavilion" can die for love and then be resurrected. Love has always been like this; it can take a life in moments of joy and leave you yearning for survival in times of sorrow. If I were also a dan role in a story, I would be willing to linger between life and death for this love.

I shook my head and said: "No. Engaging in these matters now would only complicate Your Majesty's important affairs. It is better to wait quietly and see what further moves the Empress has."

Perhaps, this is the busy Lord finally taking a moment from His hectic schedule to remember me, feeling a deep sense of indebtedness towards me, and compensating for all the joys I should have received in the past.

Today, the sunlight is exceptionally bright. Even though all the rooms in the Chengqian Palace are draped with sun-blocking curtains, the sunlight inside remains intense. I watch the palace maids waiting outside, their shadows cast on the gauze windows by the sun, and suddenly feel that life in the palace passes extremely slowly. Having been in the palace for such a long time, I realize that my life is far from over. Spending the whole day calculating over matters of life and death might make time pass a little faster

The young maid appeared to be around fifteen years old, looking very much like a child. She rubbed her eyes, stood up, and bowed to me, saying: "I am Xie Su, a maidservant of the King of Yue's residence, serving here at the command of the princess."

In the face of the business inquiries, I truly cannot hold my head high

It is only today that I realize how shallow it was to be infatuated with Shang Baiwen solely for his poetic and picturesque face. I cannot truly consider myself a good woman, yet I have attracted the affection of this towering man, Shang Baiwen. While I feel that I must have accumulated great virtue in a past life, I cannot help but feel a deep sense of guilt within.

However, he clearly did not have to step forward

The emperor had long known that he was not much different from Gu Wan. Throughout his life, he had wronged Su Liangyue. When the empress had drugged her, causing complications during childbirth, if it had not been for Yue Yanxiao inadvertently disrupting the empress's plans, he and Su Liangyue might have been separated by death for several years by now. However, he could not let go of Shang Wanquan, even though such matters would be an unbearable scandal in any family.

I am a bit hesitant to speak up

His heartfelt sincerity is so fervent and genuine that he would rather remain single and face death than compromise my well-being, while I, surprisingly, am merely swayed by appearances

Shang Baiwen remained silent, and though he was behind me, I found it difficult to discern his expression. I could only continue according to my thoughts: "The reason I have concerns is simply because ... ... "

To speak frankly, he is a full seventeen years older than Yang Chengxiang's granddaughter. If one were to say that Yang Shuyi fell in love with him at first sight and then became infatuated, he would not believe it. Yang Shuyi has just reached the age of fifteen this year, a wonderful age when a girl should be experiencing the first stirrings of love, yet she is forced to be with him.

I had thought that Yue'er would discuss with me as I had suggested, but she maintained an unusually silent demeanor, which made me feel somewhat afraid: "Yue'er?"

The emperor, infuriated to the point of his veins bulging, sat on the edge of the bed and pointed at the queen kneeling beside him, saying in anger: "Your arrogance truly surpasses even mine; no one in the world dares to keep me waiting, yet you alone have the audacity to do so"

On the sixth day of each month, a letter of this nature is intercepted in advance by the eunuchs under the command of a string of pearls, swiftly copied by hand, and then delivered to Empress Xiao Xunbi according to the original intent of the sender. The Empress's reply is also first obtained by the Emperor from the handwritten copy before being sent out of the palace. This back-and-forth has been ongoing for over fifteen years

Even if he is deceiving me, I am still willing. In life, it is rare to act with such abandon; the moon can do so for the emperor, and I can do the same for Shang Baiwen.

On that day, in front of the Hanqiuhall, Yue Jieyu encountered the imperial physician, and although it was merely a fleeting glance, he had already captured her heart

In today's world of familial power and the supremacy of monarchy, he and I are merely two ants struggling within it. In the political arena dominated by aristocratic families, a single thread pulled can affect the entire body; if he and I were to be branded with the disgraceful and shameful label that tarnishes our family name, the painstaking efforts of both families would be in vain

As she raised her hand, the sleeves of her garment slid down her arm to her elbow, her skin, as white as jade, appeared almost translucent under the sunlight: "She has never been a clever person, yet her heart is more malicious than that of an average person. Having been by Brother Heng's side for sixteen years, the number of people who have died at her hands is likely no less than a hundred. It is one thing for others, but for the sake of the two of us and the three children, she must be killed, lest we fall victim to her."

"Is it possible that the Queen is truly having an affair with the King of Yue?" I pondered for a moment. Although the rumors are quite unpleasant, the Emperor has never put a stop to their circulation. Perhaps, in a certain sense, he has tacitly acknowledged the claims made by the gossip.

Heaven is envious, not believing that both the oriole and the swallow have turned to yellow earth

I said: "She may have sensed some kind of threat, unable to find peace, and thus wanted to take a gamble"

Everything happened too suddenly, and all the hints surged into my heart in an instant. Perhaps, this is not merely my overthinking; at the moment when I least wanted the desires in my heart to come true, they instead fulfilled my wish.

"Xiao Xiao." The moon has already helped me apply the medicine and slowly assisted me in putting on my clothes. Her tone was very calm and flat, which to me sounded like a warning that saw through my thoughts. Noticing that I did not respond immediately, she said, "Who helped you kill those people? Also, your undershirt does not seem to be your own; someone helped you change it. Do you know that?"

Chengqian Palace

The moon and I have known each other for ten years, and it is an easy matter for us to see through each other's thoughts. However, when she discovered my innermost feelings, I still found it hard to believe

This is the nth letter exchanged between Xiao Xunbi and Gu Wan? After the emperor received the letter, he did not open it immediately, but instead held the envelope in his hand, playing with it back and forth. His gaze was deep and serious, as if he were engaged in some inner struggle.

When Yang Shuyi arrived at the Wangu Jiangshan Hall, her slightly adorned face was charming and lovely, yet it still could not conceal the fatigue evident in her sleepy eyes. The Emperor sat cross-legged on the bed, observing her exhausted yet obedient demeanor as she paid her respects. Suddenly, he recalled the night sixteen years ago when he first shared a bed with Princess Shang Wanwan of Yue at the Huopuguan. The sixteen-year-old Shang Wanwan was adorable and well-behaved, far surpassing Yang Shuyi in charm.

When it comes to selfless dedication and pure motivation, I am unworthy in either regard compared to him

What merit or capability do I possess to warrant such an action from him

In matters of love between men and women, no circumstances should allow a woman to bear the burden of blame. As a respectable woman, why should you suffer because of me?" Shang Baiwen tightened the reins, slowing the horse's pace, and said slowly, "It was originally my intention to follow you; I wanted to save you.

I can turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to all other ambiguities, but he called my name

I also want to love him wholeheartedly without any reservations, but my reckless behavior will only push him into the abyss, and in the end, he will perish due to my selfishness

I was utterly unaware that the queen harbored such deep hatred for me, to the point of wanting to take my life

As the emperor was about to sleep, the string of pearls that was originally to be presented hesitated somewhat, intending to withdraw temporarily and report again tomorrow, so as not to disturb the emperor's rest

Yang Shuyi could not have anticipated that the Emperor would actually ask her this question. She thought she had made a mistake and was suspected by the Emperor, so she immediately knelt down and repeatedly bowed her head in defense: "Your Majesty, please allow me to explain! Since I have been serving before Your Majesty, I have always been cautious and diligent, adhering to the virtues of a woman, and have never harbored any ulterior motives towards Your Majesty. I implore Your Majesty to see clearly!"

The queen is truly an extraordinary woman; in the presence of an emperor with such keen observation, she is still able to act in this manner. Before I was aware of all these hidden circumstances, she only left me with the impression of a weak woman who submissively obeys the emperor, unable to hold her head high in front of concubines like Yue'er, who bear many children, and lacking the emperor's favor due to the rumors surrounding the prince. It now seems that I was the only one in the entire palace who was so dull-witted.

"Do not think too much." Shang Baiwen seemed rather unwilling to listen to my incessant chatter on this matter, abruptly cutting me off and directly telling me to be quiet. He then rode his horse to the front of the carriage, dismounted first, and carefully helped me down to the ground. However, as soon as my feet touched the ground, I immediately lost strength and collapsed.

Joy in fun, sorrow in parting, yet among it all, there are foolish young lovers

I remained immersed in his swordsmanship, merely responding to his instructions with a blank acknowledgment, without truly taking them to heart. In front of Shang Baiwen, I had countless questions. I finally understood that the people in this world are not like the puppets and clay figures in the palace, all looking the same; rather, each person has a thousand faces.

After a moment of hesitation, I decided to wake the young Taoist priestess: "Fairy, may I ask where this place is?"

The temperature of Shang Baiwen's palm was just right, warm yet not uncomfortable. He exerted a bit of strength as he held my hand and said, "Those soldiers must have gone to the tavern on the other side of the mountain to drink and eat meat; they won't be back for at least two or three hours. Let's hurry, I'll escort you back, and you will definitely be safe and sound."

Upon seeing me, he quickly broke into a smile and then turned inward, saying: "Wanwan, she has awakened."

It is a pity that she betrayed him, and he is not even the biological father of the child

Then, she turned to me and said, "You should not return to the Luan Yi Palace for the next few days. Stay in the Cheng Qian Palace, and we will make plans after the inner garments are sent back."

It is still best to follow the noble consort Zhang Yi in order to live comfortably

In this world, I have always despised those women who betray their husbands. However, I have always understood you, as Brother Heng has never been attentive to you and has even shown some indifference and lack of loyalty. " Yue'er walked up to me, squatting by the bedside, and asked, "Is your lover someone in the court? Do you need me to find a way to help you fake your death and leave the palace? "

"No, it won't happen." Shang Baiwen's response to this question was quite straightforward. It is unclear whether this "won't happen" refers to the emperor not knowing or the emperor not blaming. After saying these three words, he glanced at me and then exchanged looks with Shang Wanquan, saying, "Wanquan, I know my limits."

Like the setting sun reflecting before my eyes, a solitary wild goose flies across my heart, a heart hears the fluttering within me, and a pair of eyes sees the admiration in my gaze

Xiao Niang

After Shang Baiwen finished speaking, there was a long silence between him and me. He seemed to be waiting for my response, but I did not know how to begin.

Before Shang Baiwen could finish speaking, a cacophony of swords and blades erupted from the woods and grass on both sides. By the time he and I regained our senses, a formation of about ten individuals had already appeared before us. Each of them was robust and powerful, wielding various weapons, and they bore little resemblance to the bandits typically encountered on the official roads. It was highly likely that they were here specifically targeting either me or Shang Baiwen.

In the past, I only thought the queen was foolish and cruel; now it seems that, in addition to being foolish and cruel, she is also quite bold

The emperor was not a patient man to begin with. After waiting from 5:15 PM to 6:10 PM, the empress still had not arrived, which naturally ignited his anger. He only wished to depose the empress and confine her. In the final moment of his dwindling patience, a string of pearls stood at the entrance of the Huai Min Hall and announced: "The empress has arrived—"

Upon hearing her response, my heart instantly sank by a large margin. This truly is a lively perspective, and the complete conversation I just had with him is most likely true. Logically speaking, if a woman can speak a few more words with the one she loves, she would certainly feel very happy. However, for some reason, when I faced Shang Baiwen, I only wanted to hide myself away. Perhaps it is because I understand deep down that the closer I get to him, the nearer he is to danger. Logically speaking, if a woman can speak a few more words with the one she loves, she would certainly feel very happy. However, for some reason, when I faced Shang Baiwen, I only wanted to hide myself away. Perhaps it is because I understand deep down that the closer I get to him, the nearer he is to danger.

A person as good as he is, if he were to die for me, would truly be a pity. A perfect man like Shang Baiwen should traverse the world, savoring all the pleasures he desires, living his life joyfully, freely, and easily. No matter how he chooses to live his life, he should not be entangled with a caged canary of an emperor like me

It is a pity that between her and me, fate still favors me more. I have escaped a calamity, and with the protection of the moon in the palace, it is even less likely that I will die

In the years I have spent with Fang Zhixuan, I have only learned that when facing a man alone, it is better to speak without beating around the bush. For instance, at this moment facing Shang Baiwen, I initially wanted to conceal my thoughts, but upon reflection, since this concerns the life and death of the two great generals of our dynasty, it is more appropriate to speak frankly.

I just informed Shang Baiwen that I do not wish for my family to be burdened by me, and Shang Baiwen has already found a solution. As long as I ensure my own safety, I have no further concerns.

After listening to my concerns, Shang Baiwen chuckled dismissively, yet his hand resting on my waist inexplicably tightened its grip, causing me to feel flustered and at a loss. My hands, which had originally hung loosely at my sides, became stiff. He said: "You need not worry; if His Majesty were to pursue the matter, I would willingly take my own life in public to preserve your innocence"

Over the past decade, I have truly owed Yue'er far too much.

After bidding farewell to the Empress, the Emperor declined the company of a string of pearls and walked alone into the courtyard of the Hall of Eternal Kingdoms. Gazing at the lush greenery still vibrant under the night sky, he suddenly recalled the green-waist dance performed by Lady Yang a few days prior. Although Lady Yang was still young and her figure lacked a certain charm, it was nonetheless a pleasing sight.

When the emperor saw the queen's face showing joy, his anger intensified. He casually grabbed a nearby child's pillow and hurled it at the queen. Fortunately, a string of beads was quick-witted and swiftly extended the feather duster in hand to shield the queen, preventing the porcelain child's pillow from injuring her

The moon girl took the hood draped over the coat rack and put it on me, sitting beside me and saying: "It is not merely a matter of survival; even the legitimate eldest daughter of Brother Heng, Princess Yining, is born of the scoundrel of the King of Yue and the Queen."

If he treats Xiao Xunbi poorly, will Gu Wan also treat Wanwan poorly? Moreover, in the struggle between him and Gu Wan, both Xiao Xunbi and Wanwan are innocent

At that time, he was only fifteen years old, a young man filled with curiosity and fantasies about love. Before the wedding, he contemplated how to treat Xiao Xunbi coldly, as a means of revenge against Gu Wan, who deeply loved Xiao Xunbi. However, when he saw Xiao Xunbi dressed in a bright red wedding gown on their wedding night, he suddenly softened his heart

As expected, one of the leaders pointed the long knife in his hand at me and said: "We are here on the orders of Her Majesty the Empress to take the head of the Yue clan. The Empress's decree is that you shall die with clarity"

The imperial harem has always been forbidden from interfering in politics, and even at this moment, with no outsiders in the Chengqian Palace, I do not dare to ask the Emperor Yue'er what he intends to do. I can only keep this speculation to myself; if I have the opportunity to meet Shang Baiwen, I can inquire with him as well

I am very likely the first person to witness him take action; his swordsmanship possesses a remarkable elegance reminiscent of the flowing wind and returning snow, which left me profoundly shocked

However, the moon did not lie on the bed like I did, but stood up and called for Wanlu, who was waiting outside the gauze door of the palace. After Wanlu entered, she instructed her, saying: "You send someone to inform the Princess of Yue, asking her to tell Young Master Shang that the inner garment of Yue must be returned as soon as possible"

If the emperor discovers this in the future, I am willing to sacrifice myself alone to ensure the safety of Shang Baiwen.

When this statement was made, it struck me like a thunderclap. Although he spoke in a casual manner, his willingness to take all the responsibility upon himself moved me deeply

I betrayed the one she loves, and I am sorry for her, but I am unwilling to reveal the name of Shang Baiwen, as doing so would only stir up a great uproar

I am concerned that if I make a sound to wake this Taoist priestess, everything will be revealed, and I will once again fall into reality, where Shang Baiwen remains the same indifferent Shang Baiwen

"Your Highness, it is a pleasure to meet you." Shang Wanquan returned my greeting and then turned to her elder brother, Shang Bai, asking, "Sixth Brother, are you really going to take Consort Jie down the mountain now?"

Amidst the vast layers of clouds, with thousands of mountains cloaked in evening snow, to whom does my solitary figure go?

In all matters, it is not the fear of ten thousand that is daunting, but rather the fear of one in ten thousand. As long as someone witnesses it, both my family and I will be implicated. Of course, I am deeply moved by his comforting words. He understands my fear of being seen and misunderstood, which is why he only allowed me to rest for one or two hours at the lively observation point

I am not worried about other matters at the moment; I am only afraid that if the Empress discovers that all the people she sent have died, she will lose control in an instant and do something we cannot predict. Yue'er stood up from beside the bed and untied the seemingly drooping canopy, retying it neatly.

After much effort, the emperor finally managed to lull his precious daughter Gu Chongxi to sleep. He then emerged from the side hall Huai Min Tang, intending to return to his own chamber to rest. He needed to be well-rested for the meeting with the Northern Mongolian Khan tomorrow. However, just as he sat down on the bed in his chamber, without even having time to take off his boots, a eunuch entered holding a letter.

The Queen's father, the current Duke, and First Earl Xiao Yong, is a high-ranking minister who has served through three dynasties. He has held the positions of head of the Imperial Academy and the National University for many years, with students spread throughout the court and the government, and all civil officials regard him as their teacher. In recent years, the Emperor has intended to implement reforms but has been hindered by Xiao Yong and his students, resulting in no success. The Emperor has always been one to hold grudges and is unlikely to easily let Xiao Yong off the hook

The wild man? The queen seems to be very afraid of the emperor. Could it be that she really has an affair with someone outside? Moreover, since the emperor is well aware of the queen's infidelity, why has he tolerated her until now? He, a person who cannot tolerate even a grain of sand in his eye, would rather send someone to slap the queen every year than expose her disgrace to the world, unless...

Indeed, it is a very ambiguous matter that one of my concubines was brought here by an external minister. Even with the presence of the Princess of Yue as a witness, it remains difficult to convince others.

Shang Baiwen reached out to brush away the stray hair sticking to my face and gently said, "If I tell you where I learned from, can you tell me how to master the swordsmanship in your heart?" He slightly lowered his head, leaning close to my ear, "Once I learn it, I want to leave my name in your heart"

He is forever swaying between new loves and old flames, how can he have the qualifications to speak of the word "love"

The specially formulated ointment from the palace feels cool and refreshing when applied to the skin, providing great comfort during this hot summer.

Travelers from all corners of the world, how many times have the old wings experienced the cold and heat

What should I say? Should I say, "Thank you, Young Master Shang"? Or should I say, "I have admired Young Master Shang for a long time"? If my confession of feelings would bring about a death sentence for Shang Baiwen, then I would rather that all of this, including his rescue, his tenderness, and his sense of responsibility, were merely my own delusions of affection

She immediately fell to her knees, unable to even dodge the pendant on her head that struck her eyes.

I am not afraid that he will start with chaos and end with abandonment, nor am I afraid that we will gradually drift apart, or that we are fated to meet but not to be together. What I fear the most is that this relationship of ours will ultimately become a poison that takes his life.

Your Majesty, please forgive me! I have disturbed Your Majesty, and I deserve to die a thousand deaths, a thousand deaths! The Empress was greatly frightened by the Emperor's throw, her originally rosy complexion, which had brightened with joy, instantly turned as pale and unsightly as paper.

This suggestion from Yue'er and her words have made me forget to think about anything else. Why does she not blame me? Why does she not ask if I know that betraying the emperor is a capital offense? Why does she want to help me find a solution?

Clearly, I had intentions towards him first, so why do I feel fear when he also shows such intentions?

And this sender of the letter is Prince Gu Wan of Yue, the son of Empress Zhang Yitai

"Come here." A string of beads stood waiting in the corridor, and upon hearing the emperor's summons, they immediately hurried to stand behind the emperor to await orders. The emperor said, "Summon Yang Shuyi from the Winter Chamber."

The moon gazed at the pair of shoes covered in mud that I had placed on the ground, and after a moment of silence, her eyes were deep, perhaps contemplating a strategy. She understood the emperor's temperament and thoughts far better than I did; only she could persuade the emperor to eliminate the obstacles set by the empress that were aimed at us.

Following Xie Su, they turned left and right, passing through a shadow wall, and arrived at the door of a quiet room. Xie Su gently knocked on the door, and when it opened, the person inside turned out to be Shang Baiwen

I wonder if the Empress has realized that her family is already in imminent danger. I held my breath and propped myself up, carefully moving to the edge of the bed, allowing myself to lean against the bedpost in a half-sitting position

However, even if another person were to encounter this situation, they would likely feel that I and Shang Bai are unclear about each other. After all, I have been supported by him all the way.

"You really should not have been chosen by Empress Zhang Yitai to enter the harem, it is truly a waste of your potential." The Emperor, exhausted in body and mind, did not wish to speak further and ordered Yang Shuyi to withdraw, "If you wish to leave the palace and live in obscurity, you must inform me as soon as possible, otherwise you will come to regret it."

Now, on the eve of everything coming to an end, he has lost all interest in feigning politeness with the courtesans of the harem.

Upon hearing the phrase "in the melon field under the plum tree," I immediately felt my face flush, and in order to conceal it, I had no choice but to lower my head

"The Xiao family actually sent someone to kill you?" Yue'er exclaimed while changing my bandages, "She is truly foolish, thinking she could take the initiative and suppress Brother Heng. However, since she dared to lay a hand on you, I will not let her off. For the sake of the greater good, I have tolerated her too many times; this time, she is the one who has overstepped her bounds."

I followed behind Shang Baiwen and exited the lively observation room. With his assistance, I mounted the horse. Once he was also on the horse, I couldn't help but ask him: "Will we not reveal our true intentions and let His Majesty discover us?" Although I knew he could not possibly have a definitive answer, I was truly anxious and uneasy in my heart. Even if he were to fabricate a comforting lie, it would bring me some peace of mind

"I never wished to kill anyone." Shang Baiwen's voice suddenly lowered, and it was unclear whether he was speaking to himself. "The Xiao family is truly audacious; His Majesty has not yet issued an order, and they can no longer contain themselves from stirring up trouble." He turned to look at me, seemingly checking if I was injured, and then said, "Upon your return to the palace, the Empress will certainly not let you off easily. As a man, it is inconvenient for me to frequently enter the inner palace; you must remember to be cautious in all matters."

In retrospect, the various interactions between the Moon and the Empress resemble a microcosm of the conflict between the Xiao and Su families projected onto the imperial harem. During the reign of the Retired Emperor, he favored the Lanling Xiao family, which allowed the Empress to become the Princess of Yue. Even when the Emperor later took charge and appointed her as Empress, the Retired Emperor turned a blind eye. Conversely, the current Emperor relies heavily on the Su officials, which has enabled the Moon to thrive in the harem, often overshadowing the Empress.

Despite his heartfelt confession, I still find it incredible and feel that there will always be no connection of love and affection between us. When he mentions the phrase "male pleasure and female love," it still sounds to me as if I am immersed in a dream.

The Emperor had always disliked Princess Yining, as he had long known her background and recognized her as his disgrace. Consequently, he harbored hatred towards the Empress, repeatedly putting her in difficult situations, making her life worse than death. The Dowager Consort Zhang repeatedly referred to the Empress as "daughter-in-law," while the Empress addressed her as "mother" with such affection, which was originally because Princess Yining was Gu Wan's biological daughter

Shang Wanquan was dressed in the plain garments typical of a practitioner of the Dao. Upon hearing my footsteps, she rose from the mat. As she turned, I suddenly understood the meaning of the phrase "a beauty that astonishes the heavens." Shang Wanquan seemed like an ethereal fairy, her demeanor strikingly exceptional, making one feel a sense of awe; to merely call her a "beauty" would be somewhat dismissive of her extraordinary appearance.

Prince Yue, the younger brother of the current Emperor, is indeed having an affair with Empress Xiao

He finally could not bear it in his heart

However, due to his strict management of the harem in the past, it resulted in almost no one daring to engage in schemes for favor or to harm one another, and the harem had long been a place of tranquility—of course, except for Xiao Xunbi. She was never a purely virtuous person; although not particularly clever, her heart was more vicious than that of an ordinary woman.

For a moment, I found myself at a loss, unsure whether I should feel happy or dejected. The person he used to be appeared indifferent and proud, like a lofty mountain, utterly unreachable. Were the words I heard before my unconsciousness truly real? Perhaps he really did come and save me, but were those words merely my illusion

Young Master Shang, you are truly gravely mistaken; you might as well go to His Majesty and report my scandalous behavior in the harem. I have made up my mind to lay everything out in the open and clarify it all. You have walked in the depths of the palace for many years; how could you not know that the private dealings between concubines and court officials are a grave crime? Even if you are upright today, if this were to spread among the masses in the future, it would only turn you into a lowly and despicable person.

No wonder, no wonder

What is love in this world, that it compels one to pledge life and death for it

Perhaps it is the passage of time, or perhaps it is the tempering of life in the depths of the palace, that the once timid woman has long since departed. Only her inherent appreciation for those around her remains unchanged. Even though my negligence caused her daughter to suffer greatly, she did not blame me; she merely inquired, "Has the imperial physician arrived?" and did not pursue the matter further.

This dynasty has always esteemed Daoism and the teachings of Laozi, with numerous Daoist temples flourishing across the land and incense offerings abundant. Many royal relatives also choose auspicious dates to enter Daoist temples, adopting a Daoist name to devote themselves to cultivation. The Princess of Yue, Shang Wanquan, left the royal palace to become a nun in a Daoist temple just a hundred days after her wedding. The Dowager Empress Zhang Yi, showing compassion for her daughter-in-law, specially utilized her own bridal dowry to construct a Daoist temple for her, namely the "Imperially Constructed Lively Temple".

For countless ages, to await the poets, to sing wildly and drink deeply, at the place where the wild geese visit.

Shang Wanjing let out a cold snort, waved her sleeve, and turned her back to us: "The horses are already at the gate, you should hurry back, otherwise, it will be a big trouble"

In this heartless world, where can one find such absurd "love"? To speak of it is to invite a struggle of life and death.

To dare to dismiss the guards on the official road and arrange for someone to carry out an assassination is truly to be utterly contemptuous. In this way, if I were to die, those few guards and eunuchs could be made to take the blame, and she, the Empress, would undoubtedly rest easy.

I sat by the bed, watching Xie Su put on my shoes, still feeling somewhat dazed. I asked, "Is this the place where the Princess of Yue meditates?"

After I had put on my shoes, Xie Su obediently replied, "Your Highness, this place is indeed the Imperial Constructed Lively Pavilion." She took two steps back and made a gesture to guide me outward, "The Princess specifically instructed me to bring you to see her once you awaken, so I kindly ask Your Highness to accompany me for a moment."

Speaking of this "death penalty", I suddenly recall that Princess Chengmin, Gu Chongxi, is currently alone in the summer palace. Although she resides in the Emperor's eternal Jiangshan Hall, the Emperor has seldom taken care of the children. I wonder how Xi'er is faring by his side. Although I have always been diligent in caring for Xi'er, it is indeed my negligence this time that has caused her to suffer and fall ill, which weighs heavily on my mind

I am enjoying the assistance of the moon, casting aside the fear of death that once loomed close. I have surmised that the emperor may be planning something significant behind the backs of all the court officials, for the moon is truly the person he holds dear in his heart, and thus he confided in her

In public, Shang Baiwen always presents a delicate and weak demeanor, rarely revealing a strong presence. Today, I realized that even in front of the emperor, he also conceals certain aspects of himself

Your Majesty ... ... Yang Shuyi was somewhat uncertain about the Emperor's thoughts, not knowing what was wrong with him today, feeling a bit lost and confused. Her mind was filled with countless thoughts, chaotic and disordered, unsure whether she should confess to the Emperor that she indeed had someone in her heart

The business of a hundred questions remains just that, a business of a hundred questions. If I were still an emperor's concubine, then whatever happened between us would be me pushing him into the fire pit.

The queen knelt down with her head bowed, continuously pondering the reason for the emperor's anger today. After coming to an understanding, she hurriedly admitted her fault, saying: "Your Majesty, please forgive me. I fear I have lost my decorum in your presence, as I was in the winter chamber preparing and dressing, which caused my delay. I humbly request your punishment."

Shang Baiwen walked to my side and said, "In the melon field and under the plum tree, one must avoid certain taboos. Although those guards are nowhere to be found, it is still inappropriate for her to linger here for too long"

I, in fact, do not hold any genuine feelings for you; I am merely infatuated with your youthful beauty, which is why I have favored you. Do you not think that entrusting your youth to me is somewhat wasteful?" The emperor looked at Yang Shuyi's tear-streaked face, filled with panic, and suddenly recalled the day his own "eldest daughter," Princess Yining, was born, a day that had also brought him great joy.

Indeed, after he learned of the queen's betrayal, whether out of revenge or genuine feelings, he went to Huopo Guan to find Shang Wanquan

The emperor let out a cold laugh and handed the letter back to a string of pearls, saying: "This is just right, it makes for a round number to conveniently raise an army and seek justice. Go, summon the empress residing in the Winter Chamber."

Summoning the spirits, what lament can be heard, as the mountain ghost weeps in the dark amidst the wind and rain

The moon has already helped me organize my clothes, and she did not continue to ask or say anything else, seemingly waiting for me to respond

Fortunately, Yue Er did not accompany the entourage for the summer retreat this year; otherwise, she would surely have become the target of these brutes today. Yue Er is as delicate as a flower and would be utterly defenseless against these individuals. As for me, I am still able to contend with them here today.

"Xiao Niang, be careful." At the moment when Shang Bai held my arms with a warm hand, it felt as if my heart had been pierced by something, leaving me in a state of panic. When he suddenly called my name, I was at a loss for how to respond

My guards returned about half an hour later, drunk and mumbling something about "someone treating us to a meal." One of the guards, seeing that I was still lying in the carriage half-dead, muttered a curse under his breath and turned to urge the others to hurry and drive the carriage back to the capital.

"Your Majesty, you are unaware that no matter how much you groom and adorn yourself, you remain repulsive in appearance." The Emperor's reaction to the Empress's confession was quite indifferent, and he turned to the attendant standing by, saying, "The Empress has shown contempt for the imperial authority. Henceforth, I shall place the Empress Xiao under house arrest in my private residence at Chongrenfang in the capital, and she shall not be allowed to go out without a decree. Additionally, Princess Yining shall also be placed under house arrest at her residence."

Even if he is a heartless scoundrel, all the deep affection he once showed was merely a facade. To him, I was just a pastime during his leisure, and all the feelings could be dismissed with a smile once he found them uninteresting. I willingly accepted it all, savoring every bit. My love has finally received a response

She has always been in my heart a cultured and sensible young lady, adhering to the traditional virtues of obedience and propriety. She is gentle and delicate, and when I am with her, I am always somewhat more assertive. However, I do not know when it began, but she has gradually transformed into a person entirely different from the one she used to be

At the age of four, when I began my studies in Lin'an, I happened to read a poem. Now that I have long surpassed the age of childish sentiments, I am finally able to appreciate the bittersweet essence within it

This matter should be related to the queen

How could the Empress have anticipated that the Emperor had already known about her and the King of Yue's affair since the day of Princess Yining's one-hundred-day celebration fifteen years ago? She believed that after Yang Shuyi regained favor and won the Emperor's heart, he, in gratitude for her dedication and contributions, had specially summoned her to the Wangu Jiangshan Hall to receive rewards. She put on a grand display of her status as Empress in the Winter Chamber, leisurely grooming and adorning herself, and after reapplying a gentle and charming makeup, she finally set out on foot to the Wangu Jiangshan Hall

He even once thought that since he could not be with Shang Wanquan, if he could live harmoniously with the legitimate consort Xiao Xunbi, raising children together and leading a simple life as an ordinary couple would also be good

At this moment, I feel like a child caught stealing, filled with guilt and unease

I said: "Before the Queen, I am indeed at fault in many ways, and it is true that I have neglected the heir. There is no way to argue my case; as long as she does not stir up trouble regarding the matters of commerce, I will let her be."

However, he was always clear in his heart that his guilt towards Su Liangyue stemmed entirely from his desire to forgive himself, and the sincerity within it was merely negligible