Chapter Five, longing across the horizon, the soul scattered and dreams also grow cold
A slender and petite palace maid was brought forward, her face full of youthful innocence, and she appeared quite young, looking at me with a very anxious expression
I felt a bit disappointed. I took out a small peach wood comb that I carried with me and softly called to him: "Bilan, could you come a little closer? I would like to comb your hair."
Who poisoned Tang Tianxiao is not important; what matters is that I have become the flesh on someone else's chopping block, the fish on the table
At that moment, he suddenly turned around and called me softly
With a loud clap, Shen Fengyi struck the table and angrily exclaimed: "What a cunning woman pretending to be foolish! Usually, you can barely complete a sentence, yet now you are so loquacious? If I were to ask you who the accomplice is, would you not deny everything even more thoroughly?"
I pressed my lips together and forced a smile as I defended myself: "Your Majesty, when the power is lost, do not speak of nobility; when the country falls, do not speak of respect. The ruler of Southern Chu from that day is now one of the many ministers of Great Zhou. The so-called royal relatives are now, just like the subjects of Southern Chu back then, all citizens of Great Zhou. Although I am dull-witted, I understand the importance of following the will of Heaven and the hearts of the people, and I am wholeheartedly devoted to serving the Emperor, never daring to harbor even the slightest disloyalty."
The briny taste seems to emanate from within the viscera, rather than merely being a result of an injury to the mouth
The cold sweat in the palm of my hand made me regard this Empress Shen, who was secretly referred to as "Big Rooster" by Tang Tianxiao, with newfound respect
The fragrance of tea permeates the air, and the refreshing aroma circulates.
The past was a pure dream of pear blossoms filling the trees
The corners of my lips curled slightly as I shifted my painfully sore leg and asked her in confusion: "What did Her Majesty the Empress say? That I poisoned and plotted against the Emperor? But after the Emperor returned to Qianyuan Hall yesterday noon, he never went to Yiqing Palace again. How can such a statement be made?"
What spreads with the ripples is the joyful laughter from the water pavilion, lightly and clearly sweeping over the lush green lotus leaves and the delicate pink lotuses
Wuer
It is merely to inform me that those who wish to bring about my demise are not solely a mere palace maid like her
Shen Fengyi smiled and said: "Can you say she is not from Yiqing Palace? So many people have witnessed it, and there are documents in the study that can be verified. If you want to deny it, it won't be that easy!"
The old palace maid squinted her eyes into a narrow slit, and something in her murky eyeballs jumped twice. She bent down, the smile at the corners of her mouth curved like the wrinkled bark of an old tree, and almost whispered in my ear: "Are you... intent on seeking death? Is it to protect the mastermind behind you? To be beaten to death for someone else, do you not feel wronged?"
A new elderly eunuch has been appointed, and his shrill voice is quite jarring
Since a humble and tranquil life is no longer attainable, I no longer wish to suppress my true nature and face those who wish to trample me with humility
You naturally understand that from childhood to adulthood, whether in joy or sorrow, I have always wished to rely on your side. If in another world I cannot find you for a moment, with your intelligence and wisdom, you will naturally know how to find me
That final glance at me, I do not know whether it is wrath or pity, but I am certain that from now on, I will no longer have to spend sleepless nights, striving to banish all nightmares and laughter, keeping my eyes open in anticipation of dawn
In front of a crowd of palace maids and eunuchs, Shen Fengyi's expression changed, and she shouted: "Dare you accuse me of being narrow-minded, unable to tolerate the concubines of the harem? Slap me! I am solely thinking of the Emperor's well-being, which is why I have made the decision to thoroughly investigate the spies within the palace! You are merely a lowly palace maid; without internal support or external assistance, how could you have obtained the poison to harm the Emperor?"
Shen Fengyi slowly narrowed her eyes and smiled lightly, "Ning Zhaoyi, do you know what it means to be stripped of your clothes and beaten? Aren't you afraid?"
Even the lively chatter of others is soon drifting away from me, isn't it
Yet we are more pitiable and tragic than those two young children. They embraced and jumped into the lake, their bones forever intertwined in death, ultimately able to share the same grave while still being separated in life, and heaven, in its mercy, expresses its lament through the imagery of lotus flowers blooming in pairs; whereas we, despite having loved each other for so many years, cannot share the same bed in life, nor can we be buried together in death, and there will be no literary figures to praise or lament us after we are gone. The family may even have to bear the eternal infamy of being deemed rebellious and unfaithful.
The inferiority complex hidden beneath a facade of nobility, once it erupts, is indeed more terrifying and more vicious than that of ordinary people
Once, twice, the initial bitterness and fragrance have dissipated, gradually becoming bland and tasteless, leading to weariness
All words have finally been lodged in my throat, and I can no longer utter a single word
The tree of longing, the flowing years, unwittingly misled by the western wind
After Zhuang Bilian was captured, Empress Dowager Du could not withstand my earnest pleas and allowed me to visit her once
Enduring longing, enduring solitude, enduring the tears shed alone in the darkness, enduring the embarrassment of having one's heart gouged out yet still managing to smile indifferently
The icy fingertips trembled as they caressed, as if once again witnessing the swaying lotus flowers in the pond and the clear-eyed youth by the water's edge
"Of humble origins?" Shen Fengyi's red lips slightly parted, revealing a mocking smile. "Ning Zhaoyi, your father Ning Bingyu once served as the Minister of War in Southern Chu, a first-rank official, renowned and respected, on par with General Zhuang Yao of the Southern Town. Even I, residing in the North and long secluded in my chamber, have heard of him. Not to mention, your mother is the younger sister of the late Empress Dowager Du of Southern Chu. The Du family has been scholarly for generations and is one of the most distinguished families in Jiangnan. The South values culture, while the North values martial prowess, and with the nobility of royal relatives, your family truly embodies all these qualities. How could a young lady of such a prestigious family be of humble origins?"
After the fall of the Southern Chu, I deliberately concealed my background and identity, and even I gradually felt that I was nothing more than an utterly useless ordinary woman, no different from other palace maids struggling to survive in a chaotic world. However, everything was ultimately shattered by the appearance of Tang Tianzhong, leaving me unable to even quietly remain a humble servant.
Even if my life is ruined, the Zhuang family will still hold high positions in Southern Chu, after all, his father Zhuang Yao is a rare talent of a great general, renowned far and wide. Perhaps as time goes by, Zhuang Bilian will also forget that he once had a childhood sweetheart as a fiancée, gradually open his heart, and accept another virtuous woman, living the second half of his life in peace and tranquility
Shen Fengyi shook her head, "I said, Ning Zhaoyi, this wine cup, I fear we shall never find it again, right? Who would still keep the weapon used in the crime?"
He did not express what he hated, only the sound of his gritted teeth could be heard
And my shoulders seem to be embraced even tighter, as an unfamiliar warmth silently draws near.
"Lotus root..." The young boy found himself in a predicament, leaning against the tall, straight willow tree, gazing at the pond filled with green leaves and red flowers, sighing, "At this time, the lotus root hasn't grown yet! How about this, I will go get some lotus seeds for you to eat?"
The bewildered eyes strained to widen, yet they increasingly failed to find focus; instead, the raised palm grasped someone's collar.
Approaching the qintai, I gently caress the silk strings; the sound is harsh and sluggish, clearly indicating that it has not been tuned for a long time
Zhuang Bilian did not respond to my words, nor did she even turn around. She merely lowered her head slightly, and her somewhat disheveled hair fell down, obscuring her side profile that was barely visible, making it impossible to discern any trace of joy or sorrow.
She turned around and stepped back, giving a heavy wave of her hand towards the executioner, then quickly cast a glance at me before striding out.
Tang Tianxiao grew suspicious, and it is not surprising that he would investigate my background. As soon as something happened to Tang Tianxiao, Shen Fengyi immediately revealed the foundations of my paternal and maternal families, which clearly indicates that she had already begun to look into my origins.
After a long time, the old palace maid perhaps recalled the empress's excuse for beating me, or perhaps out of curiosity about my silence, she came over, lifted my chin, and with raised eyebrows and eyes, pressed me with the question: "Tell me, who are your accomplices? Who instructed you to harm the emperor?"
"Do you recognize this palace maid?" Shen Fengyi pointed at the young palace maid with her long fingernails
Struggling to prop myself up, I wanted to say a word to him, but ultimately it was in vain, instead aggravating the wounds within me. A sharp spasm shot through my abdomen, and a rush of metallic sweetness surged up, spilling out.
Tang Tianzhong, Tang Tianzhong
Perhaps it is merely due to jealousy and the pettiness of women, but if one were to deliberately climb up, my treasonous crime would then have a motive.
"Ning Qingwu!" he exclaimed in shock, his voice hoarse like a dull knife scraping against the weathered bark of an old tree.
The green lotus leaves cover the azure waters, and the hibiscus flowers bloom in vibrant red. When the young man wishes to pick me, my heart longs to embrace the lotus.
Reaching out to the window, I plucked a branch of peony and gently inhaled its fragrance. Indeed, it is aromatic, yet overly rich, not necessarily fresh and pleasant.
Although the Great Zhou originated from the north, it equally values the chastity of women. It is likely that they would prefer to grant death rather than allow a woman who has been favored by the emperor to be subjected to punishment by clothing removal.
As expected
The old eunuch beside her, with a voice like a duck's quack, also raised his delicate fingers and said in a sharp and thin tone: "Ning Zhaoyi, don't pretend to be confused! The imperial physician has already stated that, based on the Emperor's condition, he must have been poisoned around noon yesterday. As for yesterday noon... the Emperor only dined with Zhaoyi Niangniang! Moreover, a maid from Yiqing Palace has confirmed that after the Emperor left, Zhaoyi Niangniang dismissed others to handle the Emperor's leftover bowls and utensils, and took away one of the jade wine cups!"
I bowed my head and replied: "Your Majesty, I have only resided in the Yiqing Palace for a few days, and I have rarely stepped outside, accompanied only by two palace maids granted by the Emperor. I am rather dull-witted, and it is not uncommon for me to fail to recognize palace maids I do not often encounter. However, this maid does indeed seem familiar from my time in the Yiqing Palace. May I ask what instructions the Empress has in summoning her?"
Having finished confiding my thoughts, I let out a sigh of relief, turning my eyes in an effort to gaze towards the direction that glimmered with a faint light, as if I could see the vast and boundless azure sky, clear as the pristine pupils of Zhuang Bilian.
Tang Tianzhong, I saved you two years ago. I worked hard to articulate my words, trying my best to ensure that people could hear my pronunciation clearly
Over the years, I have learned nothing, only how to endure
This palace wall has confined me for three years... I do not want, do not want...
Striving to lift my lips, I gasped and coughed a few times, finally managing to emit a weak chuckle. "If my aunt still possesses a shred of compassion, grant me a swift end. Even in the underworld, Ning Qingwu would be grateful! As for the rights and wrongs, isn't it of little importance?"
The vast fog before me suddenly turned red after that mouth emitted a fishy sweetness, the color deepening increasingly, almost spreading into an inky blackness akin to night
I reached out my hand and, as I wished, grasped his hand. It was warm, with distinct joints, somewhat rough, not as slender as before. When it brushed against the strings of the piano, even the light and nimble fingers seemed so pleasing to the eye.
The lively and the quiet should both come to an end
The air was still for a moment, and all that could be heard was his gentle voice saying: "Wuer, do not entertain any thoughts of ending your life. I have not given up; I have long made arrangements. You... wait for me."
Mother of the World
Ultimately, I still cannot accept that a once-in-a-lifetime love has ended so quietly and without a sound. As I approach the end of my life, do I still find myself unable to resist reminiscing about him?
Spring has come to an end, the flowers have withered, and the ground is strewn with fallen petals, long since trampled into the dust. No matter how much one mourns, it cannot bring back that scene of pear blossoms like snow, and spring as deep as the sea
On that summer afternoon, if it were not for Zhuang Bilian missing me and disguising herself as a eunuch to visit me at that very moment, would the outcome have been different?
The tea has grown cold, and no one has come to refill it
In my helpless waiting, I have also become a person devoid of feelings, forgetting what longing means and what love is.
This is not the place I should be, could it be the place he should be
I pressed my hands firmly against the ground, gritted my teeth, and stood up straight
Ah, Your Majesty... What is the matter, Your Majesty?" I asked with feigned panic, anxiously glancing towards the direction of the Qianyuan Hall
The excruciating pain in my knee made my body tremble, and beads of sweat dripped from my forehead. At that moment, I could only hurriedly bow my head and, with a trembling voice, say: "Your Majesty, please see clearly, I would never dare to collude with outsiders to commit such a heinous act! The Emperor has always been in good health; even if he has fallen victim to a malicious plot, the imperial physicians will surely have the skill to restore him. As for where the Emperor was poisoned, I believe he must be very clear about it in his heart, and when the Empress inquires, it will be known." The Emperor has always been in good health; even if he has fallen victim to a malicious plot, the imperial physicians will surely have the skill to restore him. As for where the Emperor was poisoned, I believe he must be very clear about it in his heart, and when the Empress inquires, it will be known.
I trust Zhuang Bilian
What of the queen? As she herself stated, I am absolutely of noble lineage from the Southern Dynasties, born into a prestigious family; whereas she is merely the descendant of a military general from humble origins. Her ascent to the throne as queen is merely a matter of chance. The gentle and refined qualities cultivated in her by the influences of noble ladies are not something that can be amassed simply through gold and silk.
She even spared me the questioning and directly confirmed my "crime"
A beauty like a flower is separated by the clouds, only to be distanced from the beauty by the clouds. From afar, one can only see her graceful figure and ethereal demeanor, which captivates the soul and lingers in dreams
"Contemplating the wall and reflecting on one's mistakes?" Shen Fengyi slammed the table and stood up, glaring at me with anger, "You have the intention to poison the Emperor, a crime deserving of death by a thousand cuts, and you should be punished along with your entire clan. Do you still wish to gloss over this matter in front of me?"
My trembling fingers touched the ground, and with great difficulty, I turned my head to see that the person who had kicked me was the old eunuch who had come to summon me to meet the Empress. He wore a grim expression, glaring at me coldly without any mercy, before forcing a smile and approaching Empress Shen to report.
The eunuch escorted me in, and out of courtesy, a young palace maid brought in tea and then withdrew
In the days of yore, I was intoxicated by the flowers in a hazy dream, but now I awaken to gaze upon the wind and moon. The vibrant hues of Yao Huang and Wei Zi compete in beauty, their delicate petals fluttering like pieces of seven-colored silk, dancing lightly on the branches, as if laughing at those who once possessed youthful splendor, and at those whose hearts are now as pure as snow.
The back was carefully lifted by someone, and a gentle voice whispered in my ear: "What did you say? What do you want? I didn't hear clearly..."
However, I never expected that the four characters "red-faced disaster" would ultimately be associated with me
"Lady Ning, please make yourself at home"
Struggling to open my eyes and see who this person is, but my eyelids feel as heavy as a thousand pounds. With great difficulty, I manage to open them a crack, only to be met with a blinding white expanse, as if covered by a thick fog. Yet, piercing light breaks through the mist, stinging my eyes and preventing me from clearly seeing what lies ahead
After the door creaked shut, I distinctly heard the sound of chains, clearly indicating that I had been locked inside the room
I focused my gaze for a moment and replied, "It looks somewhat familiar; they should be from Yiqing Palace."
Yes, Ning Zhaoyi
He slightly tilted his head, then quickly turned away, letting out a low sigh: "Wuer, you should leave, this place is dirty, not where you should be."
Your Highness, Ning Zhaoyi has been brought in
The implication is that she had no intention of sparing me, and I had no opportunity to wait for the person who would never return.
It is merely a pot of freshly boiled plain water, without even a trace of tea leaves.
Until he left the capital, until his entire family was executed, until his father and son occupied the southwestern Jiaozhou and established their own faction, I never saw him again, nor was I able to obtain even the slightest bit of accurate news about him
I lowered my head and still answered respectfully: "Your Majesty, please see clearly, I am of humble origin. To receive such favor from the Emperor is already a blessing earned from my past life. I am grateful beyond measure; how could I possibly harbor any intentions of harm?"
Shen Fengyi was sitting on her queen's throne, her brows tightly furrowed, restlessly rubbing a silk handkerchief in her hands. Her beautiful face was taut, and the pervasive gloom foreshadowed the impending storm.
Yet I do not know if I will have the opportunity to see again the shimmering waves of the pond in front of Deoksugung Palace, with its lush lotus leaves. I can no longer behold the waterside pavilion and vermilion railings of Ningfu on that day, where in the gentle breeze and soft moonlight, the blue lotuses and pink lotuses flourished, accompanied by the harmonious sounds of the qin and flute. I recall that person, clad in a solemn and dignified manner, exuding a refreshing clarity, as if the heavens and earth had become much brighter and clearer because of him
Bilan, I can no longer wait
Unconsciously applying force in my hand, the scattered petals fall like rain, dropping to the ground like droplets of blood
My contempt fell into Shen Fengyi's eyes, and I saw clusters of flames leap up in her deep brown pupils. Suddenly, she rushed to her phoenix throne, slammed the ebony table, and shouted: "Come here, drag this wretched woman away, strip her and beat her until she reveals who the instigator is behind poisoning the Emperor!"
It felt as if I had been struck twice, yet I had lost all sensation, as if my entire being had plunged into a certain profound darkness, reminiscent of the deep, sweet dreams I experienced in my childhood when I peacefully fell asleep
The poison in the wine cup can be easily identified; I have long since cast it far into the stream. However, not being caught with evidence may, in itself, be the greatest evidence.
It seems that a young man is laughing brightly, expressing warm admiration, "The tea brewed by Wu'er is increasingly fragrant, and the flute played by Wu'er is becoming more melodious, and also ... ... "
In the sweltering heat, a pair of boys and girls, around eight or nine years old, are resting under the shade of willows by the lotus pond
"Bilan..." I called softly, as if I had made a sound, yet as if I had not.
What is a blessing is not a disaster, and what is a disaster cannot be avoided
I lowered my gaze and said softly, "Please, Aunt."
When spring passes and flowers fall, returning to dust, returning to earth, it is certainly better than being trampled into the mud by others
With the unique skills of an experienced hand, each strike feels like a painful blow to the heart
When the eyes are too weak to close, scalding tears suddenly pour down.
In fact, there is tea in the music room, and it is absolutely suitable for consumption by someone of the queen's status, being the fine tea harvested before the Mingqian period
I have never been able to figure out whether his statement about having made arrangements was a deliberate fabrication to comfort me out of fear that I might take my own life, or if there was indeed a rescue plan in place. However, I can at least surmise that if it were truly a premeditated rebellion, his father, General Zhuang Yao, would never return to Ruidu to fall into a trap.
The jade-like golden brick floor was covered with a layer of white mist from the warmth and moisture of the palm, which quickly vanished in the gentle breeze, leaving no trace behind
In addition to her overly thick lips, I was more attentive to the blood vessels in her eyes, which throbbed with an unmistakable jealousy, greatly damaging her otherwise quite beautiful appearance. The high bun on her head, adorned with a precious red gemstone phoenix hairpin made of red gold, reflected a sharp and piercing light, exuding an overwhelming majesty but lacking in kindness.
Whether in life or in death, please remember to come back to me
It is uncertain whether there truly exists a soul after death, allowing us to find one another and support each other in another world
I glanced down at the ready teapot and teacup, and smiled faintly, proceeding at a leisurely pace to prepare the tea, warm the cups, heat the kettle, and pour the tea high and low.
Ah, that is very苦...
Zhuang Bilian was captured on the spot and imprisoned in the heavenly prison; the entire Zhuang family was detained, awaiting their fate; at the same time, Li Mingchang urgently summoned Zhuang Yao back to the capital and set a trap in the surrounding area, capturing him as well
The hands and feet bound to the chair, the half-naked skin taut with pain, leaving deep blood marks; the blood dripping down from the body slid up the arms along the chair, then dripped down the ropes, drop by drop, gradually pooling into a shallow puddle of blood
But I no longer care, merely coldly and disdainfully gazing at this arrogant and self-satisfied woman
She nestled beside the young boy, whispering in his ear: "Brother Bilan, I want to eat lotus root. I want to eat tender and crispy lotus root"
You truly regard me as a prisoner
After the crisp and heavy sound of a slap, my ears buzzed with a chaotic ringing, my hair fell loose, dark strands cascading down and partially obscuring my face, while my cheeks immediately swelled with a burning sensation. For a moment, I could not feel any pain, only a strong salty and metallic taste in my mouth. Bending over, I coughed once, and what I spat out was a vivid splash of red
In the years of merely surviving, where one does not even dare to reveal their true self and genuine emotions, how much nostalgia and memory can one leave behind even after reaching an age of gray hair
The slightly obsessive voice paused, and the girl laughed sweetly: "What else is there?"
When I was hiding in the De Shou Palace, not daring to move an inch, he actually extended his inflated desires, fueled by power, into the Empress Dowager's palace
Moreover, my greatest means of bringing disaster is not whether or not to poison, but rather having taken possession of the imperial favorites that others believe I am unworthy to possess
Ning Zhaoyi, the Empress summons you
Tang Tianxiao does not wish to harm me; in fact, he truly dotes on me. Whether in public or in private, he has afforded me sufficient respect, which in turn provides the other concubines ample reason to trample me underfoot
Lotus seeds without lotus hearts are indeed not bitter, fragrant and sweet, just like the beautiful moments we experienced from childhood to adolescence, where even the slightest bitterness is fleeting. Even in the face of hardships such as the passing of my mother and my father's sacrifice for the country, I still believe in our unshakeable happy future
Let me endure more hardships before I die
However, I am still the head of the nine concubines, the Zhaoyi. It is truly absurd to treat me in such a manner, attempting to pin the poisoning of Tang Tianxiao on me without sufficient evidence.
The young man smiled, his dark eyes shimmering like ripples on clear water beneath a lotus. "I intend to move back to our manor. What I desire is the most beautiful one from the Ning family."
Standing behind the fence, with his back turned to me, he gently said: "Since it can no longer be salvaged, you need not feel distressed for my sake. If... there is still a chance to seek another suitable partner, may you live a happier life."
Zhuang Bilian, is this my destiny? Is this the destiny of our childhood romance?
I scoffed disdainfully, made an effort to straighten my shoulders, and looked directly into her eyes, no longer concealing my contempt and disdain for her.
She raised her head and walked up to me, glaring at me without any courtesy
I murmured softly, my voice so faint that I could barely hear it myself
In the depths of the palace, with the vastness of the nation, the barriers cannot hinder the most bitter longing.
Three years in the deep palace, elevated above the world, I have always observed the human affairs of this imperial court with a cold eye. Behind the resplendent gold and jade, beneath the intrigues and power, how much blood and tears lie hidden, no one can clearly articulate anymore
Pain, but is this not the final pain?
The affection and protection of Empress Dowager Du did not manage to curb her son's ambitious nature—if he could channel this ambition into state affairs, Southern Chu would not have fallen into such a predicament
The fragrance of tea wafts gently, and the mist of water lingers, causing my eyes to become somewhat moist without my realizing it
With a faint smile, I said softly: "Your Majesty, if one wishes to impose a crime, what need is there for a reason? If Ning Qingwu is to be punished for her favor, a single white silk is sufficient. The Ning family has already been extinguished, and both the Southern Chu state and its royal family have been destroyed. As I am related to the Southern Chu royal family, being implicated in their downfall is merely fate, and I shall not blame heaven or others."
A palace maid stepped forward, seized my arms, and struck my cheeks fiercely with two slaps
Those eyebrows, those eyes, that gentle and affectionate smile
The girl's eyes are clear, resembling a black crystal that reveals its depths, transparent and beautiful, and her smile is innocent and pure
When the heavy cane fell again, it was no longer just striking the part where the punishment was supposed to land
As Zhuang Bilian knocked the ruler of a nation unconscious for the sake of his fiancée, the formidable reputation of the Zhuang family became a more terrifying internal threat than the external troubles from the southern frontier
The lump in my throat made my heart race with anxiety. I crouched down and placed the peach wood comb on the ground, suppressing the overwhelming sadness within me, and said in a strained voice: "I am leaving. Remember... you must come back to find me. I am very afraid of being alone... all by myself."
The door is open, and the water has been delivered
In the dream, it feels very warm, as if just a step away, one can reach another space within the dream.
Whether it is the palace of Southern Chu or the palace of Great Zhou, this world is always cold, unable to wait for the truly warm and blossoming days of spring
Shen Fengyi sighed, her gaze seemingly filled with genuine sympathy, "To speak of it, I too am reluctant to believe that among the sisters who serve the Emperor, there are indeed those who harbor such malicious intent. However, since it has been revealed by someone from your palace, we must certainly ask Noble Consort Ning for an explanation"
The only consolation is that on the night before the execution, some loyal subordinates of the Zhuang family secretly planned a rescue and successfully saved the father and son of the Zhuang family.
It sounds very familiar, yet it is definitely not the voice of Zhuang Bilan. That gentle and clear tone, even if it were three years apart, or even thirty years, I would not forget it in the slightest
The old palace maid gazed at me, remaining silent for a considerable time, almost the length of half a stick of incense, before she finally sighed softly: "Ning Zhaoyi, if you feel wronged, do not seek to settle accounts with this servant after your death. It is only to blame that you were born too beautiful! A common man is innocent, but possessing a precious gem is a crime. Zhaoyi, being an intelligent person, naturally understands this in her heart."
The competition for favor and jealousy among the concubines in the harem, with both overt and covert struggles, is something I became accustomed to during the Southern Chu period. Although I have taken refuge in the De Shou Palace and do not engage in any disputes, it does not mean that I am unaware of the profound schemes hidden behind the radiant smiles of these women
Strip and be beaten
Is it true
The qin room of Xiqing Palace is very tranquil
I have long wanted to leave, I no longer wish to stay.
Perhaps he really likes me
She does not concern herself with the background of a palace maid, but she must have invested considerable effort in the favored concubines of Emperor Zhou. Her own status, along with the support of her maternal family, provides her with sufficient capability to uncover the hidden backgrounds of anyone in the palace
I endured the excruciating pain in my leg bones, striving to kneel upright, as if in reverent worship. My peripheral vision swiftly glanced over her face, and indeed, I caught a glimpse of a barely concealed delight.
The young girl laughed cheerfully, "Then you can go home and plant a large pond of lotus flowers, and in autumn, you can enjoy the crisp and sweet lotus roots!"
Only hatred remains; at the moment of death, I have also dragged down Nanya Yi, mistakenly marrying the evil wolf of Zhongshan, and I do not know how to resolve this situation
Before the words were finished, tears suddenly surged forth, hastily turning away, and quickly stepping towards the outside of the prison
This queen is indeed a master at teaching lessons, even when punishing her subordinates, she knows how to inflict greater harm.
From the moment he sent that bowl of rock candy lotus seed soup, I began to trust him
Several tall and strong palace maids approached, seized my clothing and removed my belt, leaving me in only a thin layer of undergarment, and then tightly bound me to a chair
I gritted my teeth, I did not beg for mercy, did not shed tears, nor did I scream in agony; I merely convulsed my body in rhythm with the rise and fall of the cane
And the water in the teacup gradually cooled down
The lotus seeds taste bitter because of the lotus heart. If you remove the lotus heart and make a bowl of sweetened lotus seed soup, how could it be bitter?
I continue to smile lightly and calmly, allowing them to pull and tug at me, stumbling along the way, dragging me towards the side pavilion.
Shen Fengyi's expression changed immediately, and she roared in anger: "Are you afraid? You will soon find out! Someone, take him away!"
In the dim and filthy prison, shackled heavily, his silhouette remained tall and elegant, exuding a sense of solemn clarity.
But I just can't remember whose voice this is
The vow of the hairpin and the promise of the lotus heart, in the end, still lead to a desolate conclusion like a solitary wild goose at the edge of the clouds and floating duckweed on the water
Her makeup is exquisite, but her figure is somewhat plump. Perhaps she hurried a bit on her way back to the palace, as there are fine beads of sweat on her forehead, making her expression appear particularly gloomy and uncertain
Who is it ... ...
This time, Tang Tianzhong's voice was urgent and high-pitched, filled with an indescribable panic and confusion, making it hard for me to imagine how this man, as cold and sharp as a unsheathed sword, was feeling such excitement and anxiety at this moment
The so-called national beauty and heavenly fragrance is nothing more than this; how can it compare to a pool of clear lotus in summer, dispelling the heat, graceful and exquisite?
After the core forces among the generals of the Ning and Zhuang families were destroyed, the military defenses of Southern Chu plummeted, providing a golden opportunity for the Northern Zhou to take advantage, leading to its tragic downfall within a mere two to three years
With such a narrow mind, even if you possess a few schemes, I have never regarded them with any importance
Although I am aware of Shen Fengyi's ill intentions, when the situation arises, it is not something I can simply avoid.
I forced a bleak smile, took a heavy breath, disregarding the sticky fresh blood on my palms, and tightly grasped his clothing, hoarsely whispering: "If you have even a shred of sentiment for my rescue, please... take me out of the palace and return me to... the Ning family's ancestral grave."
I paused, not daring to look at him, fearing that he would discover my tear-streaked face
"What was I saying? Indeed, one does not give up until reaching the Yellow River! Could it be that I, the Empress, have wronged you?" Shen Fengyi chuckled lightly, raising her hand, her fingers painted with the color of the impatiens swaying in the air, resembling an elongated phantom of blood.
It is unclear whether it is the cold wind that sweeps in when the door is closed or the chilling breeze that comes through the window lattice, but the music room is unusually cold. However, when the half-open window is pushed open, the large cluster of peonies below the window is blooming with remarkable vibrancy.
That indistinct voice was surprisingly heard by the other party, who lowered their voice and whispered in my ear: "Tang Tianzhong, I am Tang Tianzhong. Ning Qingwu, did you hear that? Did you hear me speaking?"
"Are you refusing to speak even under duress? Are you determined to protect your accomplices from the Southern Chu hidden within my Great Zhou imperial palace? Very well, I shall put this to the test; we shall see whether your resolve is stronger or the punishment from Xiqing Palace is more formidable"
After a long while, she finally asked: "Ning Zhaoyi, the Emperor has shown you favor, granting you exceptional rewards several times. What shortcomings do you still possess that you would dare to poison the wine and plot against the Emperor!"
I stepped forward and knocked on the door, and a polite yet indifferent inquiry came from outside: "What instructions does Ning Zhaoyi have?"
In times of chaos and turmoil, how can I reach his side at the ends of the earth? After the destruction of my family and the loss of my loved ones, how can he accept that his childhood sweetheart has become the calamity that has ruined his life?
The main gate stands wide open, bright sunlight streams in, and fine dust dances in the beams of light, each particle translucent and light, as if someone is dancing gracefully.
The staff struck heavily, landing solidly upon the body, crisp yet muffled, once, then again, and again...
I suddenly remembered the young couple from folklore who, due to their family's disapproval, committed suicide by drowning in the lake. Holding back tears and sniffing, I forced a smile at him, "If heaven permits, we shall grow old together at the banks of the White-Headed Lovebirds; if heaven does not permit, there will still be a pond of fragrant twin lotus flowers. Bilan, we... will never be so lonely."
The so-called combination of talent and beauty seems to be merely a pretext for ascending to the royal family. What truly enabled her to take the position in the central palace was the extraordinary influence of her maternal clan in the Great Zhou.
There was also a marriage contract that our two families arranged early on in our youth
Ning Qingwu
Am I not dead yet? I can feel my heavy body plummeting down. Although I am so weak that I cannot move, the piercing pain still comes in waves, and even the slightest action, like raising my hand slightly, can break me out in a cold sweat.
Standing at dusk under the yellow moon, the breeze sweeps across the railing's curve, yet I cannot wait for even a glimpse of the returning wild geese
Please allow me to quietly wait for you in a place where you can easily find me, forever
I bowed and replied: "Please instruct me, Your Majesty. If I have committed any errors, I will certainly return and reflect on my mistakes in solitude"
Even after both of my parents passed away, I was taken into the palace by my aunt, the Dowager Empress Du of Nanchu, for my upbringing, and I never doubted our flawless future, as well as our lifelong companionship and understanding.
The marriage contract dictated by parental orders and the words of a matchmaker was, in the eyes of Li Mingchang, the last emperor of the Southern Chu, nothing more than a piece of waste paper. The day he determined that I, his cousin, had caused the beauty of the six palaces to fade was also the day of calamity for both families
I, the humble servant Zhaoyi Ning, pay my respects to the Empress
I slightly stirred my tightly bound body, opened my mouth to speak, but first spat out a mouthful of blood.
After a heart-wrenching smile, the palace maid who brought the tea retreated, her gaze upon me resembling that of a fish caught in a net. The pot of water she delivered was nothing more than a pity for my feeble state.
Eunuchs who have spent a long time in the palace often exhibit somewhat abnormal dispositions, and it is not uncommon for them to employ ruthless and malicious methods. However, given their ability to tread carefully and read the room, if they dared to act against a formally appointed second-rank imperial consort, it would likely not be without the tacit approval and endorsement of their master; otherwise, even with ten times their courage, they would not have the audacity to do so.
But I am now being watched and cannot leave. Although there was a chance to escape after the palace was breached, I have nowhere to go.
Her clear, water-like eyes shifted away from my face, casting their gaze upon the shimmering waves where the green lotus and pink lotus bloom. The smile at the corners of her lips was gentle and subtle, "Moreover, this year's lotus flowers are blooming more beautifully than in previous years. The hibiscus rises from the water, standing tall and graceful, evoking my admiration."
Noticing a eunuch standing guard by the door, vigilantly glancing in my direction, I forced a wry smile
Without evidence, I cannot loudly proclaim that the one who truly poisoned Tang Tianxiao is him. However, I am clear, and he should be even clearer, that regarding the matter of Tang Tianxiao, I am entangled by him.
With a sorrowful smile, I said softly: "Thank you!"
I have waited for you in vain for three years, enduring the pain of longing for three years, and finally, it can come to an end
When the sound of the chain outside the door rang out, the tea had already cooled to a chill that seeped into the heart
I smiled vaguely, slowly sat down, and quietly savored the tea I had brewed myself
On the second day, the blood of the dealer flowed like a river, with the entire family, regardless of gender, being executed and discarded in the market
Letter
"Feeling wronged?" I chuckled lightly, "Throughout the ages, which imperial palace has not been haunted by the souls of the wronged? I am neither the first nor the last; why should I feel aggrieved?"
When the lotus seed is removed from its heart, it is no longer bitter; when a person removes their heart, perhaps they will no longer suffer either
Does Wuer believe in her brother?
Therefore, Tang Tianxiao would only regard her haughty demeanor as that of a rooster with vibrant plumage, rather than that of an elegant and noble phoenix
The waist, back, and even the internal organs felt as if struck by a heavy hammer; it was not necessarily the kind of sharp pain that rends the flesh, but it could force all breath back into the abdomen, even shattering the limits of my endurance, ultimately eliciting a short, mournful cry. Before me, everything had turned dark, and when the next blow fell, I was already too weak to make a sound.
The bones seem to have been shattered inch by inch, and the swollen muscles are being struck with even greater force. I can even feel the sticky fresh blood on the staff, chilled by the wind, yet warmed by the dripping hot blood, as the howling, fierce wind lashes down.
That night, the blood flowed like a river in the Ministry of Justice's prison, further solidifying the charges of treason against the Zhuang family
Many men may find themselves unable to forget a woman with whom they have only a fleeting encounter. After this brief moment, the image of her is enhanced within their hearts, creating a wonderful illusion that exists independently of her true self, filled with a subtle beauty that is more felt than articulated.
As I was suspiciously preparing to step forward and bow, I was suddenly kicked in the back of the knee, causing me to grunt in pain and fall onto the shiny golden bricks, unable to rise for quite some time
The crime of treason is established, with the entire family to be executed and the nine clans to be exterminated
With a gentle "tap," a crystal-clear water droplet falls into the pond beneath the round lotus leaf, causing ripples to suddenly spread across the surface of the water under the lush green leaves
In the past legal codes of Southern Chu, such corporal punishment was only applied to women who committed adultery, both as a form of punishment and to serve as a warning to others
This time, Shen Fengyi did not allow me to stand up.
Empress Dowager Du supports me, yet is unwilling to support Zhuang Bilian, who dared to knock her own son unconscious. She has repeatedly expressed that she misjudged the character of this person, saying, "This child from the Zhuang family appears to be gentle and refined; how could they dare to commit such an act of treason?"
Taking a deep breath, I calmly said: "I am thirsty. Please bring me a cup of hot tea."
I firmly grasped the cool porcelain cup in my palm, stood up, nodded in response, and silently followed him out the door, being led all the way to the main hall of Xiqing Palace
Families of equal status, a close relationship between families, similar ages and appearances, childhood friends, mutual affection and understanding
The meaning of "quiet" can be interpreted as suitable for seclusion, but it can also imply being neglected.
I smiled gently, and it seemed that my eyes were as heated as my cheeks. Casually glancing at the Empress, I said, "Yes, I am merely a lowly palace maid, without any internal or external support. How could I possibly have poison to harm the Emperor? If the Empress does not inquire into the details and arbitrarily bestows the death penalty upon a palace consort, it would be difficult to respond when the Emperor or the Empress Dowager seeks clarification in the future. But even if the Empress were to kill me, I would have no way to fabricate any internal or external support to explain to her!"
Yes, I know. From the moment I saw you that night, I recognized you. How infuriating...
Kneel down
I looked up at the dancing dust and smiled: "Does the Empress still remember that I am the Imperial Concubine? Is the Empress not afraid?"
These bland and water-like days should come to an end
Shen Fengyi sneered, "Your Majesty is young and has been bewitched by your seductive appearance. When the time comes, you will sweet-talk him, and he will soften and believe your words. Who knows how you will scheme against him in the future! I have only engaged in this lengthy conversation with you out of consideration for your service to the Emperor. I will tell you this: just confess your accomplices, and that will suffice. If you continue to be stubborn and unrepentant, you will only bring more suffering upon yourself before your demise"
Ah, the young lady Zhao Yi is quite open-minded at such a young age
As I walked through the corridor, the clusters of peonies at the foot of the steps were blooming brilliantly, radiating light. The sky was a deep blue, especially in the southeastern direction, as clear as someone’s gentle eyes. Outside the palace walls, there should be some jasmine planted, with delicate white petals drifting over the high walls, scattering down like fine fragments.