Chapter Six: The Nine Heavens Fairy Congratulates on the Birthday

Ting You opened her eyes while lying in bed and smiled. In fact, getting close to Emperor Dingxi was not particularly difficult. There was no need to inquire specifically; by learning to observe her own thoughts, many subtle clues could reveal information. This time, she was finally not misunderstood as having ulterior motives.

On this day, the Western Garden is adorned with lanterns and colorful decorations, with fiery trees and silver flowers, arches draped with ribbons, satin hung, fresh flowers in abundance, and colorful lanterns embracing the moon, creating a scene of magnificent prosperity. In contrast, the recent birthday celebration of the late Empress Guo seemed as dim as a small star about to set on the horizon. It is no wonder that the women in this palace would rather stain their hands with blood and descend into hell than not vie for that position.

Gathering her thoughts, Tingyou had no choice but to step forward. The maidservant holding the black lacquered begonia-style tray approached, and Tingyou took the pot to pour a cup for Emperor Dingxi. She presented it with both hands, bowing her head and saying: "This humble servant offers Your Majesty a cup, wishing for everlasting peace throughout the realm"

In such a manner, even the splendid fireworks after the banquet could not illuminate the tranquil mood of the pavilion.

Emperor Dingxi took the wine and drank it all in one go, yet there were no ripples stirred between him and Tingyou, nor was there any exchange of glances that the Empress Dowager had hoped to see.

After Empress Dowager Jing left, Ting You secretly glanced at Emperor Dingxi, only to be caught by him, a faint smirk curling at the corners of his mouth. Recently, Ting You had come to understand that Emperor Dingxi clearly did not appreciate those who came to him uninvited. Both Empress Dowager Jing and she herself had repeatedly made foolish moves, only pushing him further away.

However, this softness is different from the fragility of an ordinary woman; within her softness lies a fullness of resilience, akin to a branch. When you press it down and release, it springs back, accompanied by a graceful sway

Thus, Ting You chose to follow Emperor Dingxi from a distance, approximately ten steps behind him, as he returned to the palace. Wang Jiufu, who served Emperor Dingxi, was naturally very perceptive, keeping a distance of about five or six steps from Ting You.

As I gazed intently at the pavilion, those four characters were written in a style that resembled the flight of dragons and the dance of phoenixes, with a force that penetrated the paper. It seemed as if writing these four characters could truly bring about a sense of peace and tranquility across the land. While these characters may lack the carefree elegance of Wang Xizhi or the slender beauty of Zhao Wenmin, when it comes to grandeur and expansiveness, there is truly no one who can surpass them.

In the early morning, Baoqin walked quietly into the inner room, hearing Tingyou say, "Lift the curtain," only then did she dare to step forward and raise the curtain, helping her to sit up.

With a softness that carries an inner strength, it is akin to the most resilient dough, making you unable to resist the urge to reach out and knead it. Such a person, when they move, does so effortlessly, as if performing a dance, imbued with rhythm and beat, with each cadence striking a chord in your heart

Last time at the Min Nong Pavilion, it became clear that she had made a mistake in the heart of Emperor Dingxi. Later, she observed coldly, contemplating that the more she did, the more mistakes she would make. Rather than leaving a bad impression in Emperor Dingxi's heart, it would be better to withdraw early. In the future, once she understands the emperor's heart, she can approach him again, and there is no reason to worry about not being able to rise to prominence.

Yet, this deep-seated aversion fails to arise even slightly in her presence; this is the advantage of a beauty.

Ting You is not unfamiliar with such a situation. Ever since she first received favor, every three to five days, a wicked fire would ignite in her heart, making it impossible to resist, filled with shame, remorse, and anger. Ordinary women would not possess such astonishing desires; even women in their thirties, as fierce as wolves, or in their forties, as fierce as tigers, do not have such cravings. Ting You pondered over it and suspected that the problem likely stemmed from the medicinal concoction that the old matriarch had her steeped in for years.

Regarding the matter of Pavilion You sending off Emperor Dingxi, both Consort Xian and Consort Zeng Hui smiled brightly and once again reminded her to serve well. Lan Zhaoyi then swayed gracefully past Pavilion You, casting a disdainful glance at her from the corner of her eye, the meaning of which was self-evident

Ting You seemed to have noticed Emperor Dingxi's hesitation, so she quickly took a step forward. Seeing Emperor Dingxi turn and continue on, she no longer dared to linger.

Ting You's hair is particularly distinctive; it does not feature a complicated hairstyle. Instead, it is simply gathered like a man's, neatly held in place by a white jade crown, secured with a jade hairpin shaped like a serpent's tail, looking clean and tidy

The character '观' resembles a person

The emperor's retinue is generally divided into two parts: when in the palace, the eunuch walking in front is responsible for clearing the way, alerting those around that the emperor is approaching, and he must maintain a certain distance from the emperor, as the exalted monarch does not like to see anyone in front of him. The distance between those following the emperor depends on his mood.

In this palace, there is nothing lacking, except for cleanliness

Despite the unclear and complicated discord between Emperor Dingxi and Empress Dowager Jing, Tingyou, being a staunch supporter of the Jing faction, is a woman that Emperor Dingxi cannot easily dislike

Ting You had been waiting in the Compassionate Farmer Pavilion for quite a while. Seeing that it was getting late, she finally took the zither and returned home. In the evening, while Baoqin was attending to the night duties and adjusting the bed curtains for Ting You, she gently asked, "Cai Ren, did you know that the Emperor was at the Compassionate Farmer Pavilion today?"

During this period, the late emperor's deep favor towards Empress Dowager Jing is evident. Given the late emperor's affection for her, how should Emperor Xidi be expected to act?

Wang Jiufu hurriedly summoned the young eunuch and unfurled a scroll approximately two meters long, on which were inscribed four large characters: "Eternal Peace and Prosperity," sealed with the mark of Emperor Dingxi.

It is merely a minor issue, nothing serious. Otherwise, our ancestors would surely be more anxious than you. The ancestors did not speak up back then, so why are you, my dear girl, worrying unnecessarily? I am not some delicate beauty that would extinguish with a gust of wind. " Ting You said this with little concern, " Go fetch water and prepare for my bath. "

The wide corset accentuates her slender and delicate waist

The wine cup held by Fang Pin was raised in mid-air, and upon hearing these words, her hand was uncertain whether to continue or to put it down, creating a rather awkward situation

Unbeknownst to Tingyou, Emperor Dingxi in front of him suddenly halted his steps and turned back to look.

Seeing the Empress Dowager in high spirits, everyone naturally offered their compliments.

For instance, now, Emperor Dingxi has abandoned the emperor and chosen to walk back to the palace. Tingyou thinks that he may be seeking the cool breeze to indulge in wine, or perhaps he wishes for some quiet. Regardless of which sentiment it is, he surely does not wish for anyone to follow too closely.

Fang Pin seemed to glance at Emperor Dingxi with a hint of injury, and upon seeing him smile at her, she finally put away her feminine demeanor

Consort Zeng Hui was the most skilled person in the imperial harem, both clever in heart and in speech. "I wish the Empress Dowager a life as full as the flowers and the moon, and longevity to enjoy it," was the gift she presented, which was a "Hundred Longevity Embroidery Screen," featuring one hundred different characters for longevity, each intricately embroidered. It would take at least a year and a half to complete such a work. "The characters were written by me, but this embroidery screen was crafted by Consort Fang," Consort Zeng Hui called Consort Fang over.

The Emperor Dingxi was like a piece of succulent meat right before him, making him drool with desire, wishing he could swallow it whole. Yet this piece of meat had turned into a spirit, leaving him helpless against it, how utterly perplexing

The Empress Dowager smiled and said, "This is wonderful; I will no longer need to look in the mirror from now on"

The night banquet is set at the Huaxu Pavilion by the water, where a wooden platform extends over the surface of the lake. Sitting here at night, one can watch the fireworks being set off from the boats on the lake, creating an exceptionally beautiful scene

Not one to speak much, not one to attract attention, not one to stir up trouble, quietly by your side, considerate and understanding, yet there is one flaw, and that very flaw is what Emperor Deokheung despises the most. Clearly wanting to rise high, yet everywhere feigning aloofness and reserve, wanting to keep people guessing and sell at a high price, this deeply offends Emperor Deokheung's disdain for hypocrisy

In an instant, the sound of drums and music arose, and a group of elegantly dressed dancers floated in, their beauty akin to morning blossoms, their waists as delicate as young willows, presenting an unparalleled sight. Leading the group was one individual, whose skin was as fair as snow and whose features were as beautiful as flowers, plump and charming, with a simple sash fluttering like a startled swan, repeatedly dancing before the eyes of Emperor Dingxi.

The noble consort Yu is the foremost figure in the imperial harem, yet among the gifts she presented, the one that is most harmonious and upright is a statue of Guanyin made of white jade. The jade is lustrous and beautiful, carved from a single piece, and is of extraordinary value

May I ask, does the old lady consider her favor towards Ting You to be greater than that of heaven? She forces Ting You to enter the palace, yet Ting You repeatedly resists. Moreover, the emperor, who is high above and accustomed to coercing others, does not like to be coerced himself

Today, I do not wish to be manipulated by Empress Dowager Jing in such a manner, as it would render all her recent retreats merely reliant on the formidable presence of Empress Dowager Jing, compelling Emperor Dingxi to favor her against his will

Bao Qin was taken aback; she too felt it was impossible. "That would truly be wonderful, the talented person has finally..."

From the perspective of Yuting You, it is evident that Emperor Dingxi has little interest in that dancer, as his gaze hardly rests upon her; thus, the dancer has brought trouble upon herself.

Having entered the palace for quite some time, Ting You has long since transformed from a once highly regarded figure into a laughingstock in the eyes of many. What of the Empress Dowager's niece? What of her beauty and grace? Is she not still without the favor of the Emperor?

In the end, the Empress Dowager gazed at the painting and softly said, "When the late Emperor departed, he also took a small portrait of me with him." After speaking, she was filled with an infinite sense of melancholy

Ginger is indeed spicier when it is older. In this way, one need not worry about Ting You's lack of interest in the emperor's favor, as there is only one man in the harem. As Ting You grows older, her temperament becomes increasingly serene, finding solace in nature, living freely and unrestrained. The old matriarch fears that her great-granddaughter may be indifferent to the emperor's affection. The formula for this potion was obtained at great expense and effort, originally sourced from a reputable brothel to deal with courtesans. With this formula, there is no concern that she will not obey or strive diligently.

When she arrived at the pavilion, she presented a painting titled "Hundred Immortals", which is a portrait of Empress Dowager Jing. The figures are depicted either sitting or standing, moving or still, serene like idle flowers and dynamic like flowing clouds, each beauty and demeanor perfectly resembling her.

First, Emperor Dingxi led the ministers to celebrate the birthday of Empress Dowager Jing, followed by Consort Xian leading the palace's concubines in the same celebration. After that, the eunuchs and female officials also came in turn to offer their congratulations. After a series of ceremonies, even Tingyou could hardly bear it, yet Empress Dowager Jing still managed to maintain a smile, which can be considered as having been "battle-hardened".

Thereafter, until the beginning of August during the Empress Dowager's birthday celebration, Ting You only saw Emperor Dingxi again.

At the banquet, Emperor Dingxi was the first to toast the Empress Dowager, saying, "I have written a couplet to present to Mother, wishing her blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea and longevity as enduring as the Southern Mountain"

Ting You wore a layered sheer palace gown in a delicate moonlight yellow tonight, devoid of any embroidery. Only the heart-shaped neckline and the two-palm-wide cinched waist featured matching satin, which instantly rendered the entire gown crisp and elegant. Her arms were also uniquely adorned, with golden armlets cinched half an inch above the elbows, causing the large sleeves to spread out below the elbows, creating a graceful fluttering effect, reminiscent of a celestial beauty descending upon the moon.

The Empress Dowager nodded slightly, not paying much attention. Ting You truly envied her, for only someone in her position could avoid the pretense of polite conversation

In the evening, the wind was strong over the lake. After watching for a while, Empress Dowager Jing stood up to prepare to leave. She turned back and said to Ting You: "The Emperor has drunk quite a bit today, Jing Cairen, you will escort the Emperor back to the palace for me. Take good care of him and do not let him catch a chill after drinking, lest he fall ill."

The scene that Emperor Dingxi recalled was precisely at the moment when he was in the secluded pavilion, eyes closed, savoring the fragrance. On such a bright and beautiful night, with a gentle cool breeze blowing, on the Moon Cave Bridge, stood an unparalleled beauty, truly a masterpiece of the highest order

Even Emperor Dingxi had to acknowledge that Empress Dowager Jing's granddaughter was indeed a remarkable person, a rare beauty in the world

Ting You knelt on the ground respectfully to send Empress Dowager Jing off, feeling an intense desire to knock her head against the ground, only hoping that Empress Dowager Jing would not cause any more trouble. Of course, Empress Dowager Jing had good intentions; seeing that Ting You had not been close to Emperor Dingxi for a long time, she tried every possible way to create opportunities for her.

Both Noble Consort Yu and Noble Consort Zeng are exceptionally well-mannered, and even though the dancer provokes them so openly, they both maintain a smile. In contrast, the expressions on the faces of Lady Lan and Concubine Fang are somewhat unpleasant, as they likely have already thought of no less than ten ways to deal with that dancer in their hearts

This scene left Tingyou increasingly alarmed. The more he remained inscrutable, the less one could fathom his true thoughts, which inevitably caused Tingyou to secretly worry for the Empress Dowager.

What the Empress said is true. There was not a trace of worry on Emperor Dingxi's face

At night, Ting You curled up her body, hugging herself tightly and shivering. Her entire fair skin was covered with a layer of pink luster, but her teeth were biting down hard on her lower lip, her face flushed like fire, and tears dripped from the corners of her eyes, as if she were in great pain. Occasionally, a muffled sound escaped from her tightly closed lips. If it weren't for the fact that she was alone in bed, it would have been somewhat misleading.

It is uncertain whether it is true that one feels invigorated by joyful events, but on this day, Empress Dowager Jing appears remarkably spirited

"Ting You, please raise a cup to the Emperor on my behalf. Let this wine end here for today." The Empress Dowager, fearing that Ting You was too favored, unexpectedly called for her again at this moment. This left Ting You uncertain whether the Empress Dowager genuinely wanted to help her or intended to harm her.

What is the charm of cleanliness? The cleaner it is, the more it provokes a sense of desecration.

These four characters are indeed thought-provoking when dedicated to Empress Dowager Jing. Only in peace can one enjoy everlasting prosperity; to wish for everlasting enjoyment, one must attain peace. Peace refers to harmony within the family, stability in the nation, and tranquility in the world.

Ting You slowly walked up the stone bridge that spanned the water. At the edge of the bridge, there was a cluster of golden osmanthus. The breeze from the flowing water carried the fragrance of the osmanthus to Ting You's nose, and she could not help but take a deep breath, pausing in her steps

Even the chief eunuch Wang Jiufu, who served behind the secluded pavilion, felt some regret that his father had been too ruthless back in the day

This month, this breeze, this fragrance, truly can lift one into a state of bliss, dispelling all idle worries

Ting You glanced at the zither in her arms and smiled, "How could you think that I know?" Even her closest maidservant was unaware; how could she, the mistress, who was "blind and deaf," possibly know more than her own informants.

Tonight is the first quarter moon, the crescent resembling an eyebrow, possessing a unique charm and liveliness. The cool breeze, like a gentle hand, soothes the heart, yet the secluded heart cannot truly find peace. It is feared that tonight, in the heart of Emperor Dingxi, another transgression may be added.

Standing outside the Zihan Hall on the alchemical terrace, she pondered the thoughts of Emperor Dingxi in solitude, yet she could not ascertain whether he desired company or wished to be alone. Even though her heart was delicate and perceptive, the infrequency of their interactions made it difficult for her to accurately gauge the emperor's mind.

Holding the zither, she touched the slightly damp garment of the pavilion and expressed concern, "You didn't sleep well again last night, did you? What kind of ailment causes you to sweat so much at night? You are still delaying and not allowing the imperial physician to be summoned." There was a hint of complaint in her words.

The pearl earrings, gracefully arcing in the air beside the ear, appear even more ethereal and translucent under the reflection of the moonlight, utterly pristine

After a song concluded, the Emperor Dingxi was toasted with a considerable amount of wine by the jealous and fiery Concubine Fang, her face unusually adorned with a hint of blush. The Empress Dowager had always secretly frowned at the allure of Concubine Fang, and at this moment, she could no longer restrain herself, saying: "Although today is the birthday of this widow, the Emperor must still attend to state affairs tomorrow, and it is not appropriate to drink excessively"

Weighing the situation, Ting You could only kneel and bow on the Dan platform, saying, "I respectfully send off Your Majesty"

The pavilion's tranquility can only maintain the mastery of "Let him be strong, let him be strong, the gentle breeze caresses the mountain ridge; let him be reckless, let him be reckless, the bright moon illuminates the great river"