Chapter Ten, who will share the splendid years of the brocade zither

If I were to go, I would surely be quietly noted by the emperor, who could bring it up at any time to settle accounts. I cleared my throat and said: "The imperial command must not be disobeyed. Since Your Majesty has summoned me to wait in the Eastern Warm Pavilion, I shall wait here."

Shang Baiwen walked up to me, his expression more solemn than ever before. He tightly grasped my right hand and, after a moment of contemplation, said: "I truly... I truly did not deceive you"

The emperor closed the memorial, feeling somewhat melancholic: "The moon has been away for several days now; I wonder how she is faring? Yesterday, I visited the Runyang Pavilion and met with the Princess of Yue, who also inquired about the moon. Zhao is the eldest and has become sensible, understanding that mother will not return, and has not caused a fuss. However, Xi and Yun cry and wail every day, which truly pains my heart"

Countless thoughts cloud my judgment. The downfall of King Yue seems imminent in the coming days; once this matter unfolds, both the court and history will be altered. Without the support of her son, the Dowager Consort Zhang will undoubtedly lose her arrogance, and even if Yue'er cannot return to the palace, she will not be bullied. Moreover, as long as she wishes, she can leave Fengtai Mountain under an assumed name and start a new life with a completely new identity

This remark reminded me that I have not resolved my past issues with Yang Zhaoyuan and Liang Zi. However, it is of no consequence; for the sake of Fang Zhixuan, I can choose to overlook it.

It would have been better not to mention it, but since he has taken the initiative to bring up this topic, I cannot help but feel angry

I cleared my throat and said solemnly: "Young Master Shang, I would like to ask you, have you ever heard of the tale of King Chu and the Divine Maiden?"

Listening to the Emperor's words, I couldn't help but think that once the matter of King Yue is resolved, the significance of Shang Baiwen to the Emperor will greatly diminish, and he certainly won't be able to visit the palace frequently. Does this imply that my relationship with Shang Baiwen is also coming to an end?

The joy in my heart was truly difficult to suppress, and I couldn't help but laugh out loud. I looked at Fang Zhixuan, who was bewildered by my laughter, and said: "In the past, I only thought you were a dull-witted bookworm, little did I know that you are actually so bold."

As expected, upon hearing my words, Shang Baiwen's face immediately flushed with embarrassment, and he stammered, "This wish is not feasible." After saying this, he turned his back and said, "Let’s get in the carriage and return to Huopuguan first." Naturally, I refused to comply and grabbed his hand to prevent him from moving. Having trained my arm strength by lifting stone locks with my third brother since childhood, he could not break free and had no choice but to compromise, saying, "How about changing it?"

At this moment, my fatigue also vanished. When I opened my eyes to look, Shang Baiwen was already standing inside the carriage, and he said nothing, merely standing opposite me and gazing at me.

After some thought, I gritted my teeth and said: "I am already grateful to have received the Emperor's grace, and I have no face to make any further requests."

I wish to speak with him a bit more, but being still in the palace, with so many people around, a moment's carelessness could lead to being seen by others, which would quickly inform the Emperor.

I am somewhat at a loss as to how to respond to the Emperor's words. The true culprit behind the separation of mother and child is clearly him, yet here he is, lamenting before me. While mentioning Yue'er in front of me, he also speaks of Shang Wanquan asking about Yue'er.

It has only been a few months since we last met, yet Yang Zhaoyuan seems to have changed completely, as if she has donned a new guise. While it cannot be said that she appears haggard, she is entirely different from her former self. Her beauty remains, but the youthful charm that once characterized her has seemingly vanished. Life in the palace, though privileged and luxurious, is indeed quite taxing.

I truly did not take the others to heart; only this sentence awakened me. The bloody conflict is about to erupt, and I can take this opportunity to avoid it with the children, so they do not see the "filthy things"

"Your Highness, given the bumpy journey, would you like to take a nap to refresh yourself?" Fu Xiang asked me while removing my cloak and hanging it up, "You haven't closed your eyes in the carriage, so you might as well catch a little sleep."

I had some doubts in my mind, but upon reflecting on the conversation I had with Xuan yesterday, I realized that Yang Zhaoyuan must have come for a reason, so I let her in

I lowered my head to look at the children who were sound asleep, gave a glance to Fu Xiang, and stood up to signal Shang Baiwen to follow me off the carriage. The carriage had already arrived at the foot of the mountain where the Huopuo Temple is located, and it would take about a quarter of an hour to walk to the temple. Outside the carriage, apart from the horse ridden by Shang Baiwen and two coachmen, there was no one else.

I will stand here and wait for a while, there is no need for Eunuch Zhu to trouble himself with arrangements. I waved my hand to dismiss a string of pearls, allowing Fu Xiang to come a little closer so that I could lean against her to rest. Seeing that I truly had no intention of leaving, the string of pearls bowed to me and then went inside. At the entrance, apart from the guards, it was just Fu Xiang and me, the master and servant.

When the children come to my side, they will certainly receive excellent care and grow up well. In this way, I can also justify myself to the moon, which has already departed, with little hope of reunion. Perhaps outsiders see me as seeking to capture the emperor's attention by claiming custody of the children, but in reality, once I have these few children, I no longer care whether the emperor goes to the Luan Yi Palace or not

He must be waiting for me to take the initiative to speak up

It goes without saying that neither Shang Baiwen nor I can take these two paths. Having reached such a point, neither of us is willing to give up this relationship, and we have no way to escape the Emperor's surveillance. We can only seize this rare opportunity, away from the palace today, to meet and share our innermost feelings.

I am still pondering the truth of what Shang Baiwen said, and I have no desire to sleep. With my eyes closed, I shed the heavy fineries, feeling weary, I said: "I will rest for a while on the beauty's couch, and do not let anyone in." As I spoke, I relaxed my shoulders and sat down on the beauty's couch, taking a soft cushion to lean against for a moment, forcing myself not to think about him.

Startled

He held me in his arms, gently stroking the hair at the back of my neck: "Xiao Niang, if we could have met ten years earlier, I would have brought a grand sedan chair and a generous betrothal gift to ceremoniously welcome you into my home."

"Rest assured, I always keep my word and have never deceived you." I waved my hand to signal the young medicine boy to bring the documents to me. I picked them up and began to read, "Doctor Fang, please start reporting to me the health conditions of the concubines in the palace over the past ten days."

Your Highness, may I ask why His Majesty has made such a decision? I am, after all, a second-rank consort, and it is truly perplexing to suddenly be asked to leave the palace. Yang Zhaoyuan must have racked her brains for a long time trying to understand the Emperor's intentions, but to no avail, so she boldly came to ask me.

So it was Yang Zhaoyuan, and then? I didn't think it was a big deal either

Upon seeing me, she hurriedly got off the carriage, walking as she said: "Your Highness, the Concubine Hui, it has been many days since we last met. How have you been?"

Indeed, Yang Zhaoyuan and Fang Zhixuan are bound by too many constraints; the glory of their families and Fang Zhixuan's identity as a member of the inner court render them powerless. If this matter were to come to the emperor's attention, even if he were inclined to forgive, he would undoubtedly still be unable to avoid a furious outburst

Yang Zhaoyuan stood up to bow and bid me farewell, I turned around to tidy up the budget report, opened the door, and went out with her

I can roughly guess that the matter causing her hesitation is a tricky one, but she has no one to ask and can only come to me for advice, so I said: "Zhaoyuan, feel free to speak."

I chuckled and said, "You only know how to talk nonsense all day long." After thinking for a moment, since he had already said that, why not take the opportunity to let him fulfill a wish that I had always wanted, but had kept buried in my heart due to concerns about face and ethics?

I lifted the celadon-glazed chicken cup beside me and took a sip of tea: "The esteemed physician Fang has truly risen to great heights, the elusive figure who is rarely seen has actually become the Xi Gong Ling of the Xi Gong Bureau."

Starting from my true feelings, I am naturally reluctant to obey the emperor's commands. However, I must find a way to bring the children to the Luan Yi Palace for their upbringing; a small forbearance may lead to a greater plan being disrupted

Such matters, if they are for the sake of the moon, he certainly cannot accomplish

"Why are you not speaking? I have gone to great lengths to give you an opportunity, yet you do not take the initiative to make a request. How very honest of you." The emperor set down his red brush, walked up to me, and said with a smile, "Go ahead."

I seem to be able to hear every heartbeat of his; this faint yet powerful sound is like a spell that has already taken away my soul. Shang Baiwen is truly magical; as long as he wishes, everything about me belongs to him.

King Xiang of Chu had a dream, while the goddess had no intention. During his travels through the Three Gorges of Badong, King Xiang of Chu encountered the goddess who offered herself as a pillow in his dream. After their intimate encounter, the goddess's whereabouts became elusive. King Xiang of Chu searched desperately, but ultimately returned in disappointment

Fang Zhixuan felt quite embarrassed upon hearing my praise, his face immediately turning bright red: "I have caused the esteemed lady to laugh at me." He quietly glanced around me, noticing that there was no one else nearby, and took a few steps closer, whispering to me: "Esteemed lady, it turns out that the young lady I saw at the summer palace last time was not a palace maid, but rather Lady Yang, the Zhaoyuan of the Zhongcui Palace!"

Then, there was a prolonged silence. He stared at his shoes, pressed his lips tightly together, and his expression was extremely tense. Even in this state, I could sense the struggle and turmoil within him. I could roughly guess that he was hesitating about whether or not to share a rather private matter with me, such as his disapproval of engaging in such behavior while being unmarried

I was filled with a mix of fear and dread, unsure whether to respond. However, confessing would not lead to a lighter sentence; rather, it would result in a more tragic fate. After a fierce internal struggle, I decided to remain silent, refusing to acknowledge anything, no matter what the Emperor said.

The emperor listened to me and laughed heartily, saying: "Consort Hui, I originally intended for you to take the three children of Consort Hua back to the Luan Yi Palace, yet you cannot even understand such a subtle hint from me?"

Fu Xiang carefully observed the reactions of the guards after hearing my words and replied, "Why doesn't the master lady wait in the side hall? There are at least seats and refreshments there."

However, I am unable to discern the Emperor's thoughts and can only inform Yang Zhaoyuan to observe the situation quietly

As I untied the knot in my clothing, I coldly said: "Then give me a hope, so that I may give up this desire, and it can be considered as a good deed on your part, Young Master Shang."

Now that Empress Zhang Yi has departed, however, King Yue and his wife, Shang Wanquan, remain in the Shoukang Palace, the sleeping quarters of Empress Zhang Yi, and it seems they will not be leaving the palace for several days

Yang Zhaoyuan quietly expressed her gratitude, choosing the chair farthest from me to sit down, her demeanor awkward, clearly indicating she had something to say. Since I was handling confidential documents from the inner palace, there were no serving maids in the side hall, and with no one else around, I simply stood up and moved to sit beside Yang Zhaoyuan: "Yang Zhaoyuan, if this is a personal matter," I thought for a moment, realizing that I could not speak the name Fang Zhixuan aloud, so I approached Yang Zhaoyuan, took her hand, and wrote the character "Fang" in her palm, "I already know, so please do not worry."

She continued, "Your Highness, I have no one to confide my sufferings to. You are a friend of Doctor Fang, so I can only come to you. Your Highness, if I were an ordinary palace maid seeking to become a consort, and my family background were common, it would be acceptable; or if Doctor Fang were an ordinary person not serving in the palace, that would also be fine. However, I cannot abandon my family, and he walks before the Emperor every day. Although His Majesty has issued a decree of forgiveness, we cannot accept it." However, I cannot abandon my family, and he walks before the Emperor every day. Although His Majesty has issued a decree of forgiveness, we cannot accept it.

The road ahead is undoubtedly fraught with challenges and dangers, but only by taking each step in the present with diligence can one have the strength and opportunity to change the future. Since the emperor has entrusted me with the role of acting empress, I must fulfill my duties responsibly and strive to exceed the emperor's expectations.

However, there are numerous commercial inquiries involved; if I were to force myself to turn a blind eye, I simply would not be able to do so

Fang Zhixuan looked at me with some hesitation: "What the master and mistress said is not false? Disarray in the harem is indeed a grave sin. As a mere servant, my words carry little weight, and I will certainly..." In this palace, it is not just Fang Zhixuan; everyone is insignificant in the face of imperial power, capable of vanishing at any moment

I uttered this harsh remark with gritted teeth, as if I harbored a deep-seated grudge against him, yet the tears streaming down my face laid bare the fear and sorrow within me

However, I am a concubine, and he is the brother of the emperor's beloved. We are simply not suited for this script. Either we forget each other in the rivers and lakes, or we secretly make our way through the dark.

Moreover, within a few days, there will be a fierce battle in the palace, and taking the children with you would be a good way to avoid it. He looked at me, earnestly persuading me.

I believe that Shang Baiwen must be aware of this story. If he has the same thought, he will certainly understand my meaning immediately

The palace change is imminent, and this time, Shang Baiwen has gone, making it highly likely that there will be a disaster involving bloodshed, or even the loss of life. Compared to such matters, I would rather that we each live in peace and never meet again

I turned to face him, looking up into his steady, mountain-like eyes, feeling an unusual bitterness in my heart. At that moment, I only felt incredibly tired. Unforeseen difficulties were about to come crashing down like a tidal wave, and I was utterly lost and powerless in the face of it. I asked, "Once the matters in the palace are settled, will we be able to see each other again?"

No one can remain indifferent to the safety of their loved ones; when faced with life and death, I would certainly choose to protect my beloved, standing in front of them to shield them from danger

Upon hearing the name of Shang Baiwen, my heart unexpectedly trembled. Perhaps this is the moment when the heavens, having opened their eyes to the mortal world, once again noticed me, who had been overlooked for some days, and bestowed upon me this grace

"It is rare for the Empress to be this happy, and I am also very pleased." The Emperor maintained a smile, his mood exceptionally good. He held my hand and led me to the writing desk, his gentle demeanor almost unrecognizable.

At this moment, I do not desire anything else; I only need a definite answer from Shang Baiwen. In the face of parting, I do not wish for anything more; I only hope to be able to see him often.

Concern leads to chaos; I constantly worry about his safety

The emperor remained silent upon seeing me, and added: "Shang Baiwen will escort you all the way, so there is no need to worry about safety."

"Do not speak nonsense; matters of life and death must not be taken lightly." I wrapped my arms around his waist, drawing closer to him.

Shang Baiwen seemed to be quite startled by my sudden initiative, staring in astonishment and saying: "You... you will be disappointed"

Seeing my indifference, Shang Wanquan's face showed a fleeting hint of awkwardness. She took a step back towards her carriage, at that moment, Shang Baiwen emerged from behind her carriage. Upon seeing me, he stared at me for a while, his eyes filled with a multitude of complex emotions, making me want to avoid his gaze. He said: "The Empress Hui has arrived"

That evening, I stayed in the Western Warm Pavilion to attend to the empress. The next morning, after rising, I was in the side hall of the Western Warm Pavilion handling the budget report from the Yeting Bureau regarding the repairs to the Taiye Pool, when I heard Fu Xiang outside the side hall reporting to me: "Your Highness, the empress is well. Your Highness, Lady Yang from Zhongcui Palace has come to pay her respects to you"

When they met at Dongbianmen, Shang Wanquan had already arrived first

The various statements made by Shang Baiwen are indeed more absurd than a tale from the Arabian Nights. It was not until I returned to Huopo Guan and entered the courtyard where I had stayed last time that I continued to ponder this matter. I increasingly felt that his words were illogical and were merely a pretext to deceive me

After all these twists and turns, it turns out that the Emperor wanted me to agree to accompany Shang Wanquan back to Huopuguan. However, unlike Yue'er, I have never held any hope for the Emperor, so I am not particularly angry at his excessive behavior; everything is within my realm of acceptance. He must really love Shang Wanquan, otherwise he wouldn't lower himself to show goodwill to a mere concubine like me.

What is the nature of love in this world? It compels one to pledge life and death in devotion.

This matter is indeed quite distant; it took me a while to recall it. On that day at the summer palace, when Princess Chengmin's daughter Xi'er was ill, Fang Zhixuan indeed mentioned it briefly. It seems he also entrusted me to help him propose when he found someone.

Perhaps I am simply biased towards Yue'er. In essence, my actions are not much different from those of Shang Wanjiao, but I cannot tolerate the way she and the Emperor treat Yue'er.

The joy in my heart surges like tumultuous waves, overflowing from the tip of my heart in waves, and the joy has already submerged me

I gently cleared my throat, suppressing my thoughts: "Zhaoyuan has been courteous, please rise and take a seat to converse."

I shall obey your command

I have arrived, Young Master Shang, let us set off. After I said this, I had Fu Xiang help me onto the carriage, and then I stood at the front of the carriage, lifting the children one by one and placing them inside the compartment.

The harem is not permitted to interfere in politics; the extent of my power only reaches the accounts of the three bureaus and twelve departments of the inner court. Matters of state governance are beyond my qualifications to discuss.

If I were truly the danjiao from the story, at this moment I would certainly tell my beloved, life and death are unpredictable, let us flee far away and seek a new path in life. Then, the two of us would hide in the deep mountains, with the man farming and the woman weaving, living a simple and ordinary life, finding joy in our own way

I walked in, and the Emperor was examining the map of the capital, Kunyu, at the left side of the desk. There were some annotations made in red and blue, the meaning of which I did not know. I approached to within three steps of the desk and softly said: "Your Majesty, may you be in good health"

Upon this thought, I felt a sense of joy in my heart and congratulated, saying: "Congratulations, Your Majesty, with this, the foundation of the kingdom can be made even more secure"

Shang Baiwen heard me say this and, for some reason, he actually laughed. He released me, raised his hand to wipe away the tears on my face, and said with a smile: "You must not be confused by my words. When a person dies, everything perishes; how can there be a road to the Yellow Springs?" He touched my face and continued, "However, this does remind me. Xiaoniang, you can make a wish to me, and as long as it is within my ability, I will definitely help you fulfill it."

I took a few steps forward, leaned against the main door, and pressed my eyes against the screen on the door leaf, trying to see the situation inside clearly. Unfortunately, in Qianren Palace, for the sake of confidentiality, curtains are always placed every few steps, and despite my best efforts, I could only see a few shadows of people, unable to even discern the positions of Shang Baiwen. It was futile to look. I felt a bit dejected and retreated to my original spot.

I suddenly sat up straight and glared at him, saying: "Without evidence, Young Master Shang, please allow me to verify personally." Coincidentally, he had removed his outer robe and ceremonial attire, leaving only two garments on his body, making it convenient to put on and take off.

I felt a chill in my heart, yet I dared not reveal it, only managing a stiff smile to accommodate him. Following him to the desk, he sat down and unfolded a memorial, saying: "This is a secret letter sent back by Yue'er’s brothers. Tomorrow, there will be a grand mutiny in Gu Wan's army. Losing military power is tantamount to losing an arm; everything is about to come to an end"

Although Fang Zhixuan only spoke half of the story, I have already guessed the tale between them. Since my affair with Shang Baiwen occurred earlier, I was not shocked; instead, I felt a great sense of relief, as if a long-standing grievance had been avenged. The emperor, being so heartless and selfish, has indeed faced retribution.

"Xiao Niang." Shang Baiwen called my name softly, gently placing a kiss on my neck. The moment his lips touched my skin, every muscle in my body went numb. He asked, "If we never meet again in the future, will you remember me?" After saying this, he held me even tighter, to the point where I felt somewhat unable to breathe

"May the Empress Dowager enjoy eternal blessings and peace, and may she live long and happily." After Yang Zhaoyuan entered, she knelt far away from me, unsure whether it was out of fear or respect. She lowered her head, her hairpin styled very simply, yet the eight-treasure ruyi hairpin on her head was remarkably familiar to me. That hairpin was clearly a relic of Fang Zhixuan's mother.

I looked at him, feeling only powerless and helpless inside. I did not want him to take risks, however, if I were a man and he were the woman I loved, I would undoubtedly make the same choice

He was extremely frightened and bowed several times, saying: "Lady Hui, my mistress! At present, I have fallen into a predicament, playing with fire and burning myself. I only ask you to think of a way to protect Yang Zhaoyuan!" He looked at me, his eyes filled with fear and longing, "My mistress, I know that I deserve to die a thousand deaths, but my relationship with Yang Zhaoyuan was initiated by me. If His Majesty were to find out in the future, I implore you to do your utmost to protect Yang Zhaoyuan!"

At this moment, Fang Zhixuan was somewhat hesitant: "I... for the past two months, Lady Yang has been urging me to seek the Ping An pulse, so I went. She... she seems to have fallen out of favor, always burdened with worries, and I often talk to her to help ease her mind. Now... now we..."

Upon hearing my words, Yang Zhaoyuan immediately reddened her eyes, on the verge of tears: "This foolish person..." She had also guessed that it was Fang Zhixuan who had asked me in advance. She wiped away her tears with the red silk in her hand and said in a trembling voice, "Your Highness, the Hui Consort, in the past, I have been disrespectful to you, and I hope you can forgive me."

Having known Fang Zhixuan for many years, his eyes have always been dull and lifeless, only showing a glimmer of vitality when discussing making money or prescriptions. At this moment, as I look into his eyes, I feel an unprecedented intensity of emotion. Between him and Yang Zhaoyuan, it is likely that they are truly in love, as only genuine feelings can elicit such a vivid response from someone who is otherwise indifferent to the world around them

A few years ago, by chance, Fang Zhixuan accidentally broke the body of a hairpin and brought it to my Luan Yi Palace, asking me to help him send it to the Shang Gong Bureau's Shang Zhen Division for repair. It was then that I had the opportunity to see this hairpin. Now that this hairpin has appeared on Yang Zhaoyuan, it seems that their relationship has become very deep.

I knelt there, my thoughts in turmoil, pondering back and forth, yet I could not decipher the meaning of the emperor's words. Did he perceive something, knowing about my affair with Shang Baiwen? Was he planning to keep Shang Baiwen around to eliminate King Yue first, and then turn to me, waiting for me to confess voluntarily?

Yang Zhaoyuan took a sip of tea, her hands tightly gripping the red silk as she said: "Your Majesty summoned me a few days ago and told me that if I have a lover, he can arrange for me to leave the palace and meet with my lover." She glanced at me, who was looking utterly shocked, with a hint of embarrassment.

I am completely like a shrew: "No change."

At this moment, Fu Xiang announced outside: "Your Majesty, the Emperor has arrived at the Dongnuan Pavilion and requests your presence."

I just finished breakfast with three children when the eunuch Xiaomeizi, who serves in front of the emperor, informed me that the head of the Xigong Bureau, the Xigong Ling, had arrived. I instructed Zhao'er to take her younger siblings to play while I summoned the Xigong Ling in the side hall of the Western Warm Pavilion.

In this world, amidst the myriad of vibrant colors and beauty, nothing compares to the peace and safety of the one I love throughout their life

"Your Highness, there is something I am uncertain whether I should mention or not," Yang Zhaoyuan bit her lower lip, her expression hesitant

At this moment, I truly wish I were an ordinary palace maid serving tea. I took a few steps back, gazing at the couplet inscribed on the lintel, "In all nations, be cautious in conduct and cultivate thoughts eternally," and sighed, "If only I could enter, why must I wait here."

I had thought that the journey would proceed without incident, but unexpectedly, shortly after leaving the outer city, the carriage came to a halt

Thus, I packed my belongings again and boarded the carriage to Huopuguan. Unlike the last time, the emperor specially granted me a spacious carriage to accommodate myself, my three children, and my chief maid, Fuxiang. In fact, these arrangements are not overly extravagant; they are simply a stark contrast to the dismal departure I experienced last time.

"Xiao Niang, I... I have something to tell you." Perhaps he was still struggling inside, constantly avoiding my questioning gaze. He tightened his grip on my hands, pulling me back into his embrace, and whispered, "I... I cannot be humane."

From my standpoint, I truly do not wish to pay her any mind. She appears to be a transcendent beauty, ethereal and refined, yet her behavior is utterly contemptible.

It is fortunate to have you in the palace; the three children have always regarded you as a half-mother, and your presence is beneficial for their care. The emperor looked at me, his tone and expression reflecting a sense of satisfaction. After a pause, he said, "Wanwan wishes to set off for Huopuguan immediately, and I am somewhat concerned. I would like you to accompany her back; would you be willing to do so?"

"Your Highness, may you enjoy eternal peace and prosperity." When I saw that the visitor was Fang Zhixuan, I was quite surprised. A person who had not been stationed in the palace for many years had actually become the Xi Palace Supervisor? He knelt before me, and behind him, a young medicine attendant held a tray, which presumably contained the medical records of the harem's ailments from the past ten days.

"Do not speak nonsense." Shang Baiwen suddenly raised his hand and flicked my lips. Seeing me cover my mouth in pain, he laughed and said, "The way you cover your mouth is truly adorable." I glared at him, and his tone became much more serious, "I cannot easily promise you, because I might die. If you were to receive a promise from a dead man, you would surely cling to it for a lifetime, and I do not want that for you. Without me, you can still have something better."

Little did I know, just as I leaned against the soft cushion and closed my eyes, the voice of Shang Baiwen rang out from outside the door: "Greetings to Her Highness, the Hui Fei."

I said: "You will be fine." When the emperor takes action against the king of Yue and the queen, all the "intrigues" within the palace will vanish without a trace.

The Empress Hui has arrived. She has stood outside for quite a while, it must have been hard for her. The Emperor did not turn around, but picked up a red brush with his right hand to make annotations. While writing, he asked, "Does Empress Hui have anything to discuss with me? Only you and I are here, so feel free to speak your mind." The Emperor glanced at me and said meaningfully, "You can say anything."

The coachman is a household servant of the King of Yue, feel free to speak your mind.

The emperor's schemes are unfathomable; I fear nothing else, but I dread the possibility that the emperor might discern something and compel Shang Baiwen to act as the vanguard in this palace coup. If that were to happen, I would surely regret my past decisions. Thus, I anxiously pondered outside for half an hour, when finally a eunuch emerged to announce that the emperor summoned me. Shang Baiwen followed closely behind him, glanced at me, and then left the Qianren Palace.

I arrived at the entrance of the Dongnuan Pavilion and was about to enter when a string of beads came out from inside and cupped their hands to me, saying: "Greetings to Her Highness, the Hui Consort. Currently, Master Shang Baiwen is inside discussing state affairs with His Majesty, please wait a moment." Saying this, they directed me to wait in the side hall of the Dongnuan Pavilion.

While I secretly thought to myself that there was nothing funny about this, I also set down the heavy stone that had been hanging in the air. Upon learning that the Emperor had voluntarily granted me custody, I was overwhelmed with joy, took a few steps back, and solemnly knelt three times and bowed nine times, saying: "I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's immense grace."

This is the most absurd joke I have heard since becoming an adult. A tall and strong man, skilled in swordsmanship, my lover, actually claims to be a eunuch? Moreover, he also told me that the emperor might have known about it long ago, otherwise he would not have taken him to the harem to meet the various concubines

I do not know how many women in the world are like me, facing a lover who still thinks of flirting even at the brink of life and death, only wanting to give him a good whack to make him shut up. At such a critical moment, how can he still have the mind to joke? I am still fuming, my tone very harsh: "You are not the City God, how can you manage this?"

As for Fang Zhixuan and the noble lady Yang Miao, I can only do my utmost to preserve their well-being

If heaven can hear my prayers, I am willing to pay any price, only wishing that Shang Baiwen can escape disaster during the palace coup

I was just about to ask Fu Xiang to have him leave when Fu Xiang, that girl, took the initiative to open the door and let him in, even happily greeting him: "Young Master Shang, may you be well." After saying that, she voluntarily walked out and closed the door behind her. Had I known that Fu Xiang could so naturally bend her elbow outward, I certainly would not have brought her along.

"In your presence, I am omnipotent." Shang Baiwen took out a set of miniature paper and pen from his pocket, pretending to take notes seriously, "Since you have so many wishes, I will write them all down and help you fulfill the most difficult one, how about that?"

Shang Baiwen remained silent, the inner torment made me restless and anxious. I could no longer wait, and spoke: "If we do not meet, then so be it. May you live for a thousand years, and may I remain healthy. Our fate is ultimately too shallow, lacking the destiny to be a pair of swallows that often meet on the beam."

The thought that he might die fills me with sorrow, and I cannot help but cry out, my nose tingling: "You... Shang Baiwen, if you were to unjustly die in the palace this time, even if we were to meet on the road to the underworld in the future, I would not acknowledge you."

Just wait a moment. When I was young, I often stood in the schoolyard for half a day when I made mistakes. Now that I have grown up, I cannot let the comfort of a good life make me think too highly of myself. No matter how high one's position is, no one can surpass the one residing in the Qianren Palace.

I said: "This palace understands your difficulties. As women, relying on the emperor's authority in this deep palace, we live every day as if walking on thin ice. But soon the situation will settle, and you need not worry too much."