Chapter Nine, and as I approach your esteemed presence, allow me to sleep in my intoxication

As I humbly expressed my gratitude, several piercing and fiery gazes had already stabbed at me from the sides and behind.

He suddenly shouted loudly, threw out the twin carp in his hand, and swiftly drew a short sword from his sleeve

Finally, when the imperial concubine left early due to ill health, I also took the opportunity to excuse myself, citing the time to take my medicine, and took my leave from the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager responded with a loving expression, instructing the palace attendants to immediately bring white weasel fat, amber powder, and other items to send me out of the De Shou Palace

I lowered my head and replied, "I am unable to brew tea."

Tang Tianxiao's lazy smile remained on his face, but a fleeting glimmer of sharpness flashed in his eyes. He leaned back in the rosewood armchair, slowly brushing the tea leaves with the lid of his cup, and said leisurely: "Very well, I cannot brew it..."

Ah! Tang Tianxiao smiled, his slightly narrowed phoenix eyes fixed directly on me. "Qingwu, after all, you are still my nominal Zhaoyi. How can you not leave me some face? Speaking so bluntly, are you intentionally trying to infuriate me?"

In fact, I wish to stay here quietly for a little longer. Ningfu has long since fallen into decline, and Zhuangfu has become a graveyard haunted by spirits. Having lived in Deshou Palace for so many years, with my caring and protective aunt, Empress Dowager Du, I can still find some semblance of home. However, within the palace, everything has changed, and all that leaves me in a daze are these seemingly familiar yet elusive scenes.

This unexpected gentleness inexplicably caused me some palpitations, and I would rather he adopt the stance of a lifesaver, compelling me to repay a drop of kindness with a fountain of gratitude.

I cannot blame him, yet I am only troubled by a certain phrase he uttered before his intoxication

Dragons soar across the world, eagles soar through the vast sky, a true man should indeed be like this

Oh! His brows furrowed as he softly repeated, "Missing you?"

As I walked back to my bed to rest, I only heard him sigh: "If it were a matter of elegance... if it were a matter of elegance, she wouldn't mind being warm with me! Others certainly wouldn't... only you, this dead girl..."

Tang Tianxiao did not pick up on my words, instead, he turned to the side and played with the double fish longevity thread for a long time before asking: "How could he... bring up such refined sentiments?"

Regardless of how he feels about me, whether it is affection or anger, I believe he would not dare to take any action in front of the De Shou Palace, which is merely a stone's throw away from Tang Tianxiao and Empress Dowager Xuan

In the last few words, his tone noticeably softened, and I even saw his hand lift slightly, as if he wanted to reach over, pat my shoulder, or take my hand.

Seizing the opportunity, I asked Wushuang in detail, and she replied with a smile: "The eunuch who brought in the fresh fruits happens to be someone I know, so I asked him to inquire a bit. The palace has been quite unsettled for the past two nights; the Emperor mentioned that there are spies infiltrating the palace guards and has been conducting a covert investigation. However, starting yesterday, the governor of Ruidu has been posting proclamations everywhere, searching for a spy from the southwestern Jiaozhou in the capital. Zhaoyi thought to herself, if they had already found someone in the palace, would the Emperor still be posting proclamations outside the palace to search for people?" The palace has been quite unsettled for the past two nights; the Emperor mentioned that there are spies infiltrating the palace guards and has been conducting a covert investigation. However, starting yesterday, the governor of Ruidu has been posting proclamations everywhere, searching for a spy from the southwestern Jiaozhou in the capital. Zhaoyi thought to herself, if they had already found someone in the palace, would the Emperor still be posting proclamations outside the palace to search for people?

Tang Tianxiao had been waiting at Yiqing Palace for a while when he saw Tang Tianzhong from a distance. He quickly pulled him over and said with a smile, "Brother Tianzhong, you really came! I heard Qingwu mention that Lady Kang was coming, so I thought perhaps you would also take the time to come. I was specifically waiting for you to go see the fine horses that were obtained from the great defeat of Beihe."

Two faint red scars in the shape of fingernails slowly exude a deep crimson as vivid as red silk, coalescing and diffusing

If he said that Nanya personally told him that she misses me, I might still suspect that he is trying to deceive me with words. However, he claims that it was a message conveyed by a servant, which coincides with the rumors about his usual neglect of Lady Kang.

Ah, the servant will certainly convey the message. So, Zhaoyi, this bird's nest porridge...

By that time, it was past noon, and the sun blazed fiercely like fire. Outside the palace, several willow trees swayed gracefully, their branches and leaves entwined like golden threads, with scattered catkins drifting down.

It is naturally I who employs such despicable means to enchant and deceive the master, having ensnared the souls of their common husband.

It was not until this moment that he seemed to recognize me, curling the corners of his lips as he called out, "Qingwu..."

The banquet below feels like sitting on pins and needles; yet even while seated on such discomfort, I strive to maintain and grow accustomed to a silent endurance, merely pretending not to hear the veiled or overt mockery of the concubines amidst the clinking of cups, quietly awaiting the conclusion of the feast

Whenever the most critical moment arrives, he always disappears at the right time, leaving me alone in the tumultuous whirlpool of surging waves, floating between life and death, unable to grasp a hint of direction, finding no support whatsoever

How many days and nights has Nan Yayi been neglected in the villa outside the city by him

I replied with my hands hanging down: "Thank you, Empress Dowager, for your concern; I am no longer in serious trouble."

As I expected, his expression immediately darkened, and he lowered his eyelids to glance at the golden koi swimming in the lotus pond, his breathing noticeably heavy

I let out a sigh of relief, and before I had the chance to bend down and clean up the scattered fragments on the ground, a palace maid approached, presenting the finest daughter red wine along with several light appetizers to accompany the drinks

I smiled and said, "I am merely a rootless, foundationless, and talentless young woman. To establish myself in the imperial harem, I can only rely on my beauty to please others. If I become too plump, I fear the Emperor may not take a liking to me"

Whether intentionally or unintentionally, I always find myself at the center of attention, with no place to hide and feeling utterly helpless

When we arrived at Yiqing Palace again in the evening, he asked me: "Qingwu, Tang Tianzhong hasn't made things difficult for you, has he?"

I took it with both hands and continued to weave the longevity thread, while he remained silent, holding the tea cup, tilting his head to watch me weave, remarkably quiet.

The disdain that inadvertently leaked out caught his attention; I had barely taken two steps when I suddenly felt the air around me change

On this night, Tang Tianxiao got thoroughly drunk, and I did not intervene

Nanya Yi clearly knew that Tang Tianzhong had never regarded her with any importance, yet she still conveyed such words, which evidently indicated her extreme unhappiness

He surprisingly did not refer to himself as 'I', and his tone of complaint resembled that of a neighborhood boy who had his candy stolen

Tang Tianxiao stared at the window screen illuminated by the lantern, casting a red glow like the evening clouds. The fierce light in his eyes gradually faded, and his voice, calm and serene, replied: "It’s nothing, I just thought of a fun idea! Quickly bring a jar of wine, I want to have a good drink with the Zhaoyi."

Tang Tianxiao remained silent, his distinctly knuckled fingers pinching the colorful tassels of the longevity thread, tugging at them one by one, as if engaging in a casual game out of boredom

He smiled and raised his wine cup to me, saying, "I do not blame you. What I blame is actually myself. I should not be so incompetent"

The eunuch she recognized was indeed unusual; he was merely someone who delivered fresh fruits and vegetables, yet he was able to clearly understand both Tang Tianxiao's covert actions and the situation outside the palace.

"Your Majesty..." As I struggled in embarrassment, his grip on my wrist tightened, refusing to let me go

But at that moment, he smiled, dispersing his overwhelming brilliance, resembling a neighborhood boy who had just snatched up some candy

"Is it tight outside the palace?" I continued to ask, firmly believing that she must have some understanding in her heart

Empress Shen seemed to gaze at me a little longer, still holding her proud head high, her face full of disdain; while Empress Dowager Xuan wore a benevolent smile that was equally bestowed upon everyone. It was not until I followed Concubine Xie and Concubine Du to offer a toast and celebrate the birthday that she seemed to notice me, looking past the two concubines, and smiled directly at me, saying: "Ning Zhaoyi, is your health any better?"

I was still unwilling to give up, and tentatively continued, "I thought that she often stayed alone, inevitably feeling lonely. If she could frequently come to the palace to chat, it should bring her a bit of joy, and I would feel more at ease seeing her like that"

Wushuang smiled and asked, "The scenery here is quite nice. Would Zhaoyi like to sit on the stone bench in front for a while and enjoy the breeze?"

Tang Tianxiao arrived only that evening, looking somewhat fatigued. However, upon seeing me, his phoenix eyes immediately sparkled with mischief. Ignoring the many palace attendants present, he came over to pat my face and laughed, saying: "What’s wrong? Have you been unhappy because I haven’t come to see you for two days? Why the sulky little face? Who are you showing it to?"

I suddenly halted my steps, my eyes already feeling warm

The cold light shimmers, the stars twinkle, amidst the flickering candlelight, the longevity threads of the double carp break inch by inch, flying in the room like colorful willow catkins

As they helped Ning Shuang and Wu Shuang step out of the palace gates, the main hall of De Shou Palace was bustling with activity. Although there were no songs or dances, it was filled with laughter and chatter. Tang Tianxiao and his royal uncles and brothers had set up another table there, presumably sharing a warm and harmonious conversation about their familial bonds and brotherly affection

Jiu'er was once summoned by the chief eunuch for questioning about the events of that night; I was afraid she would be wronged, so I specifically asked the steward eunuch from Yiqing Palace to accompany her and keep an eye on things. Jiu'er has always been clever, and of course, she would not admit to having conveyed any messages herself, only stating that she had gone to Jingyi Courtyard on the orders of Consort Zhao, and knew nothing else. The chief eunuch was reluctant to use torture and did not dare to come and question me, so after dragging it out for most of the day, he ultimately had no other recourse but to release her.

As I felt a pang in my heart, reflecting on whether my words and actions were indeed excessive, I suddenly heard a faint "pat" sound, and the longevity thread resting on the soft couch snapped, being grasped in the palm of Tang Tianxiao.

In this case, it can be said that Nanya Yi should be free from worries about food and clothing

As I walked to the edge of the lotus pond outside the palace, I couldn't help but pause, slowing my steps, and leaned against the white marble railing to gaze into the pond.

Tang Tianxiao and I stood side by side, gazing at this pair of longevity threads. Suddenly, he sighed and said: "You do not even give me a fragrance pouch to wear, nor do you brew me any fine tea. Even the longevity threads that the palace maid has only half-finished, you only remember to keep for yourself. How truly uninteresting."

He said that Ya Yi misses me

He raised his right hand, holding the half-woven longevity thread, "It's untied!"

I sat silently by the bed, taking a half-braided longevity thread made of Qinyue, and slowly continued to braid it down along the pattern.

Indeed, she coughed slightly with a hint of unease and smiled, saying: "I heard that... it's quite tight. However, that Young Master Zhuang is not an ordinary person; he was able to escape from the iron cage-like palace unscathed, let alone the vast capital city. It's like looking for a needle in the ocean; how could one possibly catch him? Who knows, he might have already left Ruidu and is on his way back to Jiaozhou."

He is an emperor, even though he talks and laughs with me in moments of solitude, without distinction between ruler and subject. Even though his actions may lack integrity and he has let down the aspirations of the South, he remains the Son of Heaven of the Great Zhou, held in the highest regard.

The overall situation is of utmost importance, and the stability of the nation is paramount. Tang Tianxiao's calculations were not incorrect. If it were the Empress Dowager or Tang Tianzhong, they would certainly also set aside personal grievances and make the same choice.

Reclining halfway in front of the couch, he slowly stretched his limbs, half-closing his eyes as he savored the fine wine in the jade cup, gently sighing: "Fortunately, you did not apologize to me. Otherwise, I would have lost even a friend willing to speak the truth to me, wouldn't I?"

The sunlight in May is quite intense, and the large lotus leaves are filled with a rich emerald hue, resembling jade carved to perfection, gently swaying in the pond. The water in the pond is exceptionally clear, reflecting the blue sky, with light that is transparent and shimmering. A few golden carp weave through the green lotus stems, their graceful postures exuding a sense of joy and contentment.

I apologize, I misspoke

I slowly curved my lips and gently said: "Please thank the lord for his concern on my behalf!"

No, it was merely a suggestion regarding Nanya's intentions

The small carriage that Nanya Yi was riding in had already stopped in front of the palace gate, and Ning Shuang and Qin Yue had long since come forward to assist their former master out.

"You..." Tang Tianxiao's face instantly flushed red, and he struck the couch with his palm, rebuking, "When did it become your turn to teach me a lesson? I have truly spoiled you, and you are becoming increasingly unruly!"

"Sister Ya Yi... Is she doing well?" When he asked, his voice was already hoarse

If I were to cast bait at this moment, I believe they would surely swim over just like the fish in this lake three years ago, lively and eagerly competing for food with their tails swaying

I do not dare to utter a word in response to his assertion

The palace maids discreetly stepped back, gently closing the door, leaving behind a room of silence, a room of stillness

In the midst of the intense action, Tang Tianxiao's crown and belt fell off, his black hair disheveled and cascading down. The once handsome face, now distorted by rage, appeared somewhat terrifying.

Sister Ya Yi! I called softly, my voice already hoarse

One should consider that there are still people like Ning Shuang present, and it would not be appropriate to be too reckless. He ultimately withdrew his hand and smiled gently.

Nanya Yi

The wind passes through the old banyan tree, casting a cool shade over the courtyard. The palace maids still chat and laugh as if nothing is amiss, either tailoring garments for me with vibrant fabrics or weaving longevity threads with five-colored silk, preparing for the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival

It turns out that we are friends

I hurriedly smiled and said, "Then... then I shall take my leave. I will inform His Majesty on another day and invite Sister Ya Yi to the palace for a chat."

I rarely step out of Yiqing Palace in my daily life. As a palace attendant, Tang Tianzhong has not found an excuse to come to the palace to see me. Therefore, after I returned to the palace, we have not met again, nor have I given him the opportunity to criticize me for being ungrateful and insisting on returning to the palace with the Empress Dowager.

Tang Tianxiao shook the teacup in mid-air, looked at me, and said, "The tea is gone"

Tang Tianxiao deliberately wanted to drive away Tang Tianzhong, while at the same time not wanting him to notice his lingering feelings for Nan Yayi. He merely cast a fleeting glance at Nan Yayi and quickly turned away, no longer paying her any attention

If I am not mistaken, while I was rising to bid farewell to the Empress Dowager and to receive my reward, she had already secretly sent a message to Tang Tianzhong.

From the moment Tang Tianzhong stepped out of the palace gates, his eyes were fixed on me without any reservations. Even when Tang Tianxiao called him to go see the horses, he merely approached to offer a cursory greeting, responding verbally while not moving a single step.

Tang Tianzhong seemed to sigh, yet he replied clearly: "Alright!"

It is too hot! He muttered as he picked up a folding fan from beside the bed, casually opened it, fanned himself with a wry smile, and looked at me, saying, "Indeed... it is too hot."

The heart, numbed by effort, suddenly felt as if it had been tugged by someone, my fingertips trembling slightly, causing a knot in my hand to go awry. Pausing my actions, I slowly untied the knot and softly said: "Yes"

Even Tang Tianzhong merely neglected her and did not vent his anger on her due to Tang Tianxiao's deliberate substitution

She unexpectedly grabbed my arm and said: "Zhaoyi, the marquis is calling for you!"

Steeling herself to act as if she had not heard anything, the understanding and compassionate Wushuang could only empathize with the intentions of her master at that moment

The sound of the phoenix flute fades, leaving a solitary wild goose; gazing into the distance, the clear waves reveal no matching carp. The clouds and mountains are countless, yet my heart stretches a thousand miles.

Everything seems too distant, and I dare not think too deeply about it

A pair of lively carp swiftly swims in hand. Dominated by red, adorned with five colored silk tassels in green, white, red, black, and yellow, representing the yin and yang of the five elements, this is the longevity thread used during the Dragon Boat Festival to pray for blessings and ward off evil.

In the absence of anyone, I finally apologize

And he clearly had no intention of delving deeper into it

Beneath the guise of brotherly friendship lies a bloody dagger pointed at each other

Perhaps it is futile to ask, but Tang Tianxiao did not inquire how Zhuang Bilan managed to contact me or how she arranged for me to go to Jingyi Courtyard. However, after this incident, I heard that many guards in the palace were reassigned due to a change in duty, and there were also reports of a eunuch being punished in the punishment chamber and two palace maids committing suicide by jumping into a well. I suspect that they were most likely the Zhuang family's insiders that Tang Tianxiao had uncovered.

I wonder how much he knows about Nan Yayi's feelings for Tang Tianxiao. If he is aware that Nan Yayi is infatuated with Tang Tianxiao, even if he no longer holds her in his heart, he would still be unwilling to let her enter the palace, wouldn't he

Thinking that Nanya Yi had been stuck in the carriage in formal attire for quite a while, and under this scorching sun, she must be feeling uncomfortable, I hurriedly pulled her into Yiqing Palace

In his drunken dreams, he called out many names: Ya Yi, Tang Tianzhong, Mother, Father Emperor, Uncle, and even Shen Fengyi, yet he never called my name.

What kind of solitude is Nanya enduring that she would express her longing for me?

Only he possesses such capability, to observe every move of Tang Tianxiao or the Empress Dowager's faction without revealing any emotion

Indeed, after a brief pause, she cautiously asked me: "Zhaoyi, would you like me to bring you a bowl of rock sugar bird's nest porridge? The marquis has heard that you have not been eating or drinking for several days and is quite worried!"

Fortunately, I have no clan of nine generations that he can annihilate.

In a hurry to stand up, his arms wrapped around me, holding me on the couch, he chuckled and scolded: "You little girl, such a small thing, do I have to ask you repeatedly before you give it?"

I long to say that men and women should not be too close; I also wish to express that between him and me, there exists a mere nominal agreement; yet, I struggle to articulate, and the words that come out are vague: "It's too... hot."

I, your humble servant, do not dare! It is just that I have always thought that, at least in front of Your Majesty, I could still speak a few words of sincerity. I replied with a smile, continuing to untie the knot.

Nanya put down her hands that were rubbing her eyes, smiled at me, and said, "Qingwu, how is it that after becoming a Zhaoyi, you still don't seem to be well taken care of? You are still as thin as a willow branch."

Being well-fed and warmly dressed has never constituted the entirety of our lives; if life were truly that simple, we would all be much happier.

Duchess Du is chuckling lightly, "Indeed, Ning Zhaoyi has quite the charm; the Emperor favors her, and even the Empress Dowager shows such affection!"

Tang Tianxiao took a sip of tea and said with a smile, "I still prefer the tea you brew yourselves"

The young emperor, dressed in a light robe with a loose sash, sat down wearily on the soft couch, furrowing his brows and sighed, "Yayi is equivalent to being cast into the cold palace. I do not know whether it is a blessing or a curse"

"The Emperor is not at fault; the one at fault is Qing Wu," I said slowly. "I should have died under the Empress's staff back then, and should not have survived in this world, causing harm to others and to myself, only adding to the Emperor's troubles"

The taste is quite good. The flesh on the tip of the tongue is soft and delicious, and indeed, it reveals a refreshing sweetness.

Tang Tianzhong blocking me in front of the Deshou Palace could not possibly escape the notice of Tang Tianxiao

The day before yesterday, when someone from the palace sent her the Dragon Boat Festival gifts, she conveyed a message saying that having not returned to the palace for a long time, she missed Noble Consort Ning, who was like a sister to her

If he seeks to hold accountable, it would be a grave sin of exterminating nine clans

I laughed and said, "In recent years, my luck has not been very good; hanging it in my tent to ward off bad luck is quite nice."

I fixed my gaze on Wushuang, waiting for her next words

My hands were once quite nimble, but this time, the wrongly tied knot cannot be undone. The long nails caught a thread, and I thought I could untie it. Wiping away the tears that blurred my vision, I realized that I had only created another tight knot that could not be loosened.

Tang Tianxiao smiled and said, "Elder brother, hurry and take a look at the heroic achievements of our Great Zhou soldiers! It is said that among them is a purple steed, which, once mounted, feels like riding a rainbow, as if one were on a red cloud, both fast and steady. However, it has a rather fiery temperament. Let us go and see who can tame this horse first!"

His martial arts are extraordinary; when it comes to my strength, it is simply impossible to stop his movements. However, he merely struggled a little, allowing me to hold him, biting his lower lip in silence.

Tang Tianzhong's gaze swiftly withdrew from the pool of water and turned towards me, as if the shimmering light reflected in his eyes had been scorched by the sun, momentarily revealing a sense of emptiness and transparency

I sat still, smiling faintly, "Your Majesty, the tea brewed by Your Grace is undoubtedly ten times better than what this humble servant can offer."

Perhaps, she can still continue her unfinished bond with Tang Tianxiao

Empress Shen smiled faintly, her lips curling slightly. The five phoenixes and the sun ornamented with a pearl hairpin at her forehead swayed majestically, as she casually remarked: "If you sisters wish to learn, you might as well invite a palace maid from the imperial kitchen to your own quarters for a few days of proper instruction"

Taking advantage of his displeasure, I took a step back and said: "The weather is getting hotter, and I can hardly stand the sun. I must return to the palace first. Please feel free to do as you wish, my lord"

Tang Tianxiao furrowed his brows, casually picking up the longevity thread and examining it, he sighed: "As long as you understand. In fact... I have no intention of harming Zhuang Bilian; I only hope to capture him alive, so that Zhuang Yao will return to the Heavenly Dynasty, ensuring peace in the south and no more wars."

He spoke sincerely, without a hint of a smile, his focused gaze seemingly waiting for some kind of commitment from me

Will he let go and support me and Zhuang Bilian when everything settles in the Great Zhou, so as to stabilize his kingdom and his throne?

I could not help but put down the longevity thread, take the silk handkerchief, wipe my eyes, and smile nonchalantly, saying: "I certainly understand. On the day Your Majesty conferred the title of Jieyu upon me, you mentioned that you would eventually send me back to Zhuang Bilian's side. However, Your Majesty must have your own calculations. As an emperor, one is naturally constrained, with the state being of utmost importance"

If Tang Tianxiao is truly that ostentatious, superficial, and mediocre incompetent emperor, then I would have no doubt about what Wushuang said

I hesitated as I twisted the silk handkerchief in my hand, but I still asked, "Does the promise made by Your Majesty still hold? If you... truly possess everything you desire, will you allow me and Zhuang Bilian to be together?"

For this beauty who brings disaster, the Zhuang family has nearly been exterminated by the Southern Chu, leaving only the father and son. They are forced to raise an army to rebel. If the Great Zhou uses Zhuang Bilian as a hostage and promises high official positions and generous rewards, the Southwest will surrender without a fight, and it will almost be a foregone conclusion

Although Tang Tianxiao does not come, I, this so-called "favored concubine" with only a hollow title, have not been neglected at all; the daily provisions from the palace have been delivered without any reduction.

Moreover, I am well aware that she desires to meet not just me.

"This..." Du Xianfei raised her delicate, jade-like hand, the vibrant and exquisite rouge resembling the alluring petals of spring flowers, dazzling and captivating. "Your Majesty, this is quite difficult; I can hardly stand the smells from the kitchen. I have never cooked in my life!"

I have committed a grave taboo

Furrowing my brows, I hurriedly stood up, intending to pretend I hadn't seen anything and leave in a rush, when Tang Tianzhong called out from the other end of the lotus pond: "Ning Zhaoyi, please stay!"

"Speak your truth... very well, go ahead and speak your truth, I shall not blame you." Tang Tianxiao clumsily fumbled in his sleeve, pulling out a silk handkerchief, and stepped forward to hand it to me, "However, you must not blame me for ruining your good relationship with Zhuang Bilan. You should understand my position."

I took it in confusion, only to realize that the two dead knots had somehow been untied. The beautiful double koi fish had only its eyes and lips left unknotted

"Should be doing quite well, right?" he said slowly, "Some things, the Lady Zhaoyi probably knows in her heart. My marrying her was merely an accident. However, since she is the officially designated wife of the Duke Kang, I will not mistreat her. It is just that her temperament is reclusive; she has always stayed outside the city, occasionally returning, preferring to discuss Zen and Dao with a few nuns at the Xihua Monastery rather than returning to the Regent's residence. I am not someone who lacks understanding, so I naturally let her be."

Tang Tianxiao raised his cup, intending to drink, but accidentally knocked it against the table, appearing somewhat tipsy and indifferent. He asked, "Zhuang Bilian, is this your fatal weakness?"

Xie Defei smiled faintly and said, "There are some skills that we sisters simply cannot learn!"

I have also made up my mind to maintain a good relationship with Tang Tianchong on the surface as much as possible. On one hand, this will prevent him from venting his anger on Nan Yayi, and on the other hand, it will allow me to continuously seek opportunities to summon Nan Yayi into the palace under his tacit approval, so that we can rekindle our sisterly bond

The unparalleled duo brought fresh fruits such as loquats, lychees, and fresh peaches, and said with a smile: "Zhaoyi, if the weather gets hot and you feel too lazy to eat, why not have some fruits to whet your appetite?"

"Your Majesty, let me go..." I blushed, my body tense, feeling the heat radiating from his skin, as sweat quickly soaked my garment

He did not marry the empress who embodies the virtues of the world, but rather one who wields the power of the realm

Tang Tianzhong strode out of the palace, making his way directly towards me. His pair of dark black eyes, radiating a fierce light, could not be diminished even by the intense sunlight, retaining a deep and formidable aura.

I have been punished by the queen, and the instigator is none other than him. How could he possibly expect me to express gratitude or appreciation?

Seeing him make a complete mess of the soft couch, I exerted a great deal of effort to get him onto the bed where I sleep, and then I poured him some tea to drink

My eyes felt warm, and I hurriedly stepped out of the palace gate. When I rushed over to support her, she seemed to be blinded by the flying fluff and was rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand

He lifted his eyelids, gazing at the dark night outside the window, and sighed: "It doesn't matter if I can't brew tea. I am weary and only wish to have a quiet conversation with the Zhaoyi for a while"

I can even hear the intense heartbeat within each other's chests, as if it is about to burst forth.

But as soon as I sat down and slightly raised my gaze towards the lotus pond opposite, I immediately regretted it

Everyone harbors an abundance of discontent within their hearts

I turned my head in astonishment to look at him; he had already stretched lazily, walked to his usual resting couch, relaxed his body, and indeed wore a look of boredom, even closing his eyes to sleep.

Nanya Yi wore a jeweled crown, a deep blue robe with cloud patterns and red brocade trim, extending her hand to support her maid, adorned with a fully green jade bracelet, a jade ring, and a red gold ring set with jewels, which accentuated her slender fingers, making them appear pure and crystal clear

The guards he sent continue to tightly guard the palace gates, allowing no one to enter or exit the palace. Ningyue, relying on her past experience as a palace maid who served the emperor, attempted to approach and inquire about some news, but all her efforts were in vain

This time, Tang Tianxiao finally stopped pretending to be foolish and immediately nodded, saying: "Alright, if you want to see her... then summon her to the palace to meet her!"

Tang Tianxiao, feeling dejected, shook his head as he walked to the table, picked up the teapot, and poured himself some tea, sighing: "This dead girl, does she really take Ya Yi as my Achilles' heel?"

The magnificent palace adorned with gold and jade, surrounded by countless followers, where a single call is met with a hundred affirmations, cannot conceal the loneliness and helplessness within our hearts

Your Majesty! I shouted in a lost voice, hurriedly rushing over, grabbing his hand that tightly held the short sword, and exclaimed, "What are you doing?"

Tang Tianzhong stared at me intently, the emptiness in his eyes had vanished, replaced by an inscrutable darkness.

With the arrival of the Dragon Boat Festival, the thorough inspections in the palace have finally come to an end. The guards monitoring the entrance of Yiqing Palace have been withdrawn, and the ban on the entry and exit of palace maids has also been lifted. When inquiring about Wushuang, I received news after some effort, indicating that the search for Zhuang Bilan outside has also relaxed significantly.

And I can also continue to serve as a competent pawn in Tang Tianxiao's hands with peace of mind, numbly passing through each day that may change dramatically at any moment, amidst the long wait and distant dreams

The commotion inside was considerable, and soon the sound of hurried footsteps could be heard from outside. Before long, Jin Qi's voice called out from beyond the door, asking loudly: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, is there something the matter?"

The terms "sovereign and subject," "emperor and empress" indeed fail to adequately describe the intimate yet non-familiar manner in which we interact, but his words have awakened me.

We are friends, friends who can share our true feelings with each other

It was only after he left that I was able to touch my legs, which had been numb and sore for most of the night, and sleep for a while

Wushuang, however, disregarded my instructions, and instead peeled two lychees for herself, bringing them to my lips with a smile, saying: "Lychees nourish the spleen and benefit the liver, regulate qi and calm the spirit. If Zhaoyi eats a couple, perhaps all her worries will vanish."

The fish are likely not the same as those from before, yet they continue to live their previous tranquil lives unscathed amidst the upheaval of their homeland. A pond of clear lotuses blooms year after year, with each season bringing its own admirers of the lotus.

A woman adorns herself for the one who pleases her; I can roughly guess that her beauty is meant to catch someone's eye

So, what is your relationship with Zhuang Bilian

I remain silent, focusing intently as the red threads dance beneath my fingertips, one by one, resembling streaks of flying blood, swiftly intertwining to form exquisite patterns, strikingly vivid.

With this thought in mind, I no longer hurried to leave, hesitatingly asking: "Since she has expressed that she misses me, she must want to see me, right? Yet I do not know if the lord is willing to grant this wish"

Seeing that I was always silent, Tang Tianxiao seemed somewhat annoyed and asked with a faint smile: "That fragrant pouch you gave to Zhuang Bilian, who are you planning to give this one to?"

Unless there is a special imperial decree from His Majesty, according to the usual protocol for summoning external women, it must go through several procedures involving the Document Room and the Ministry of Rites, which typically takes at least ten to eight days. Moreover, given the sensitive status of both Nan and I, if any official or noble were to take a disliking to us and leaked even a hint of information to Empress Shen or Empress Dowager Xuan, it could potentially lead to unforeseen troubles

If Zhuang Bilian has successfully escaped from Ruidu, from now on, we will still be worlds apart, longing for each other.

When Wushuang made his appearance, he clearly let out a long sigh, which immediately made me realize that Wushuang wanted me to sit down and enjoy the breeze, and this was precisely his intention

Her attire is luxurious, and her demeanor is relaxed. Her already stunning beauty is even more captivating, unparalleled, showing no trace of the desolation and weariness that comes from long neglect

Tang Tianxiao was taken aback and released his grip. I seized the opportunity to break free from him, stepping back two paces and letting out a long sigh

With the support of Tang Tianxiao, two days later, Nanya Yi was brought back from the villa outside the city and personally escorted into the palace by Lord Kang, Tang Tianzhong.

As a weak woman, unable to attain what I desire most, I can only look upon the mundane with indifference in my helplessness, my heart as barren as a dead tree; Tang Tianxiao, standing above millions, similarly cannot obtain his deepest desires, and is even compelled to disguise his lofty ambitions with mediocrity, his heart soaring high may become a torment akin to a venomous snake gnawing at his heart in dreams.

I could only open my mouth, barely chewing a couple of times, and as I bent down to spit the pit into the small dish that Wushuang had sent over, I heard Wushuang gently whispering in my ear: "Zhaoyi, do not worry, that Young Master Zhuang should have safely left the palace."

Oh... although she is Lady Kang, granting her an edict for free access to the palace may not be necessary. However... perhaps it is better not to do so

Tang Tianzhong gazed at me for a long while before sighing, "The other day, I saved you and went to great lengths to preserve your life, yet I have not heard you express your gratitude with such seriousness."

I chuckled lightly, "Your Majesty is mistaken. It is not Your Majesty who is the Achilles' heel of elegance; rather, it is elegance that is the Achilles' heel of Your Majesty."

According to the customary practice of the palace, on this day, the concubines were to accompany the Emperor to the Empress Dowager to receive the realgar wine. Ning Shuang and others had already prepared for me a set of light purple pleated palace attire, complemented by a light pink shawl, and adorned with a phoenix-headed gold hairpin inlaid with precious pearls. Among the elegantly dressed concubines, the color was not particularly eye-catching, yet it was not inferior to anyone else's attire.

Although I understand that most of these palace maids learned some hidden truths from Jiu'er and are putting on forced smiles to entertain me, I am filled with anxiety and feel completely listless. I had someone move a bamboo couch under the shade of the trees, and I am too lazy to even speak.

Tang Tianxiao snorted and said, "I heard that when you were trapped by the Empress, you brewed tea alone in the琴室, preparing tea, warming cups, heating the kettle, and pouring with exceptional skill. The fragrant aroma wafted out, reaching even the eunuchs and palace maids guarding outside the door. It is said that it was the most fragrant tea they had ever smelled in Xiqing Palace"

He suddenly raised his head, his phoenix-like eyes shimmering with a fierce light, as if a silent edge was about to strike.

Tang Tian glanced back at him and replied softly, then they left together

As I was wondering whether he had truly fallen asleep this time, I suddenly heard him murmur softly: "Qingwu, I cannot bear to part with the elegance, nor can I bear to part with you"

Unfortunately, governing the country and managing the family ultimately prioritize the nation; after gaining clarity, he continues to shower affection on his empress, ensuring that she remains utterly devoted to him

After a long silence, I forced a smile, took a cup of tea from Ningyue's hands, and softly said: "Your Majesty is joking. How could I dare to show any disrespect to Your Majesty? I was merely feeling uneasy because I had upset Your Majesty the other day."

They all live happily

I did not expect him to be so agreeable, and I hurriedly bowed to him again: "Thank you, Lord Hou, for your support"

"Do not run, being so stingy, hey!" He laughed, his breath brushing against the strands of hair by my ear, making me involuntarily shrink my neck in response

Tang Tianxiao lowered his head, fiddling with the longevity thread, and said helplessly: "Who complains that you have added to the troubles? I see you as a person who troubles himself! Although I have not touched the Empress, you should understand my intentions. When I woke up and heard Jin Qi recount your situation, my heart ached terribly, wishing I could have ordered that poisonous woman to be killed on the spot. At that time, I commanded someone to convey an edict to confine the Empress and wait for the decree of her removal. Fortunately, the poison from Tang Tianzhong was too severe; I was half-conscious, and in the end, no one truly conveyed the order. Otherwise... my heart ached terribly, wishing I could have ordered that poisonous woman to be killed on the spot. At that time, I commanded someone to convey an edict to confine the Empress and wait for the decree of her removal. Fortunately, the poison from Tang Tianzhong was too severe; I was half-conscious, and in the end, no one truly conveyed the order. Otherwise...

The battlefield between him and Tang Tianzhong is not only for me or Nanya Yi, but also for the vast and boundless world of the Great Zhou.

However, he and Nanya Yi may indeed have never communicated. Tang Tianzhong hesitated for a moment and surprisingly replied: "Since you sisters share a deep bond, it is only appropriate for you to meet. As long as Zhaoyi is happy, she can be summoned to the palace at any time to keep her company"

The outdoor clamor suddenly subsided

I am unsure whether to attribute his furious outburst to the embarrassment of having his inner thoughts exposed. However, thinking of Nanya Yi, who is alone and desolate outside the city, placing all her hopes on him, I too feel indignant. I cast a cold glance at him and turn to walk away.

I suddenly looked up, and Wushuang was gazing at me with a pair of black eyes filled with laughter, asking with her usual calmness and courtesy: "Zhaoyi, is the taste alright?"

I... I understand. I understand, but I cannot ignore Zhuang Bilian's predicament, and also... my hope that is gradually rising like a bubble.

I remain consistently quiet and humble, blending in with the crowd with lowered eyes, striving to obscure my sense of presence

Ning Shuang, Qin Yue, and others finally breathed a sigh of relief. Amidst laughter and joy, they used red silk to bind items such as mugwort and calamus, which are believed to ward off evil and invite good fortune, and hung them at the entrance. They also shared zongzi for everyone to taste.

Now, as soon as the scouts from Jiaozhou report that Young Master Zhuang has returned to Jiaozhou City, the days of chaos for the guards of Ruidu will come to an end

Suddenly turning around, Tang Tianxiao was half-reclining on the couch, his clothes loosely draped. Although his posture appeared relaxed, the tension in his muscles exuded a vigorous and unyielding aura, resembling a bow drawn taut, devoid of any trace of his previous nonchalance and languor

This posture resembles me curling up in his embrace

He speaks with elegance, wearing a carefree smile as if he is completely unconcerned, looking as though he has entirely forgotten the events of the previous night

His murmurs were not finished, his eyes slowly closed, and the amplitude of the folding fan's movement became smaller and smaller

I stood fearless, gazing intently into his eyes, waiting for his response, anticipating his golden words and renewed promise

But this night is destined to be a sleepless one

Whether it is fortune or misfortune depends on whether the Emperor holds her in his heart or not I observed his expression and cautiously said If the Emperor is willing to give her a glimmer of hope the current misfortune would not seem so tragic Perhaps in the future when looking back it might even be regarded as a kind of fortune

And after sleeping sweetly through the night, he no longer spoke nonsense or acted drunkenly, until the morning when the maidservant brought the washing utensils. He then stretched lazily, got out of bed as if nothing had happened, and ordered a plate of fine pearls to be personally delivered to the Xi Qing Palace for the Empress to make a pearl crown.

I am both frustrated and helpless, and I pressed my temper to say softly: "I also miss Ya Yi very much. I wonder if the Emperor would allow me to summon her to the palace for a meeting?"

I shook my head and said with a smile, "You all can divide it among yourselves; this thing will spoil if left for too long"

Then, he took two sips of tea and unexpectedly fell asleep on my lap

Thus, when he, inebriated, lay on the couch and embraced my waist while sobbing incoherently, I no longer pretended to push him away.

It does not matter if one is not feeling well oneself; what is most important is to make the other party suffer, preferably to the point of being mentally disturbed, so that there is an opportunity to strike and achieve a decisive blow

The laughter of the palace maids gradually diminished in the oppressive atmosphere, and they lowered their heads to attend to their own tasks.

It turns out that he is not indifferent, nor does he intend to stand up for me. The anger that arises in a half-awake state is, in fact, his true feelings

"Is it unnecessary?" I retorted, my voice becoming sharp and thin. "Does the Emperor not wish for Tang Tianzhong to know the weight you hold in each other's hearts to avoid giving him an opportunity, or does he plan to turn a blind eye, preferring to remain indifferent to the life and death struggles of Ya Yi?"

Xie Defei leaned closer to the Empress and nodded, saying: "It seems that Ning Zhaoyi indeed learned excellent culinary skills during her time as a palace maid, possessing great talent that not only satisfies the Emperor's palate but also pleases the Empress Dowager's taste!"

Suddenly realizing that I could tell lies quite skillfully, I found that Tang Tianzhong actually seemed to appreciate it. The corners of my tightly pressed lips lifted as I said, "Why would I need you to repay me with your life? It's just... just that you, girl, are a bit too unappreciative of the situation!"

After a brief hesitation, I untied the long life thread and placed it on his bed, then pulled over a thin blanket, intending to cover his chest and abdomen

Ah ... ...

I reached out and pulled the frost, deliberately ignoring the anxious expression on Wushuang's face, and prepared to leave

I cannot help but feel a slight irritation, "If Your Majesty thinks she merely misses me, then let it be that she merely misses me, shall we?"

However, until the next day, and even until noon on the third day, Tang Tianxiao did not appear again

As I hurriedly departed, Tang Tianzhong did not stop me again. It was only when I turned a corner into another alley that I quietly glanced back. He stood there like a black sculpture in the sunlight, surprisingly still, gazing at me without moving.

I showed him, and he felt a chill all over his body; it was only then that he sensed a bit of heat. His back was sticky, and he did not know when he had broken out in a sweat.

Empress Dowager nodded and drank the wine. Just as we were about to withdraw, she suddenly turned her head and asked the maid beside her: "Wasn't there a tribute of white weasel fat from Fuchun County a few days ago? That is the most effective for nourishing the skin and removing scars. Bring some for the Zhaoyi later, and also distribute some of the pearl powder and amber dust that I usually use to her."

Tang Tianzhong's eyes dimmed slightly as he slowly said: "No. I heard that you left early, so I came to take a look. How have you been raised? It seems you haven't gained much weight."

Stagnation, heaviness, and the oppressive atmosphere before the arrival of a thunderstorm.

Reluctantly turning my head, I stood under a ginkgo tree, watching Tang Tianchong walk over, adjusting my robe to pay my respects: "Lord Kang, has the banquet in the front hall concluded?"

Bring it on

Am I not allowed to hold my consort for a while?" He sighed, feeling quite wronged and spoke frankly, "I have no intention of doing anything to you, so why do you look as if you've seen a ghost?

"What is there to see? It's nothing more than some silent flowers and plants." As I said this, I couldn't help but walk towards the stone bench at the other end of the stone bridge, where people could rest.

Lord Hou, Kang Hou Tang Tianzhong

I do not argue with him either, smiling gently as I said: "Your Excellency's great kindness, Qingwu will never forget! However, Your Excellency has always been a hero, having saved countless people. If I were to specifically thank you for this small matter, would it not seem petty? In the future, if there is an opportunity, Qingwu will surely repay you with my life!"

As I adjusted the precious phoenix hairpin in my hair, I was walking towards the Yiqing Palace when I suddenly heard Tang Tianzhong call out loudly: "Zhaoyi, my wife says she has a very good relationship with you and misses you greatly"

He slowly opened his palm, with strands of thread lying in disarray across the intersecting lines, the vivid colors further accentuating the pale whiteness of his hand, which had taken on a slight bluish hue

He has caught up to the front, pressing his lips together as if trying to form a smile, yet his pale red lips are squeezed into a straight and thin line, elongated like the edge of a blade.

I took a step forward, then paused, looking at the youth whose eyes were red and who had lost his usual composure with a sense of doubt and fear

I walked to the bedside, placed this pair of carp into the tent, straightened the silk threads, and watched them sway back and forth within the tent, a faint bitter smile on my face

But how can I bear to let them suffer persecution because of me again

At that moment, I only heard him let out a soft "huh" of a laugh, and my arm was pulled heavily, causing my body to suddenly lean against him

I once thought otherwise. But I was wrong. I am also his Achilles' heel. Tears unexpectedly welled up, and I hurriedly turned my face away, smiling joyfully, "I want to be with him, through life and death, without any regrets."

Reluctant to part with Ya Yi, yet he ultimately allowed Ya Yi to fall into the hands of Tang Tian