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Chapter 41
Yi Xing stammered, "I... I... I..."
A man’s skin is truly thick; he actually dared to ask. This was his retaliation against her repeated verbal provocations, so he decided to play it tough—“Since you are so persistent, I shall fulfill your wish.”
But Yi Xing scrutinized her own heart; aside from wanting to curry favor, she truly had no intention of serving in bed.
Of course, as a member of the Emperor's harem, the primary duty was to "spread the branches and scatter the leaves." She knew this and wasn't unprepared. Yet, arriving at this critical juncture, she suddenly felt it was quite inappropriate. Though she was six years younger than him, her generational rank was senior. If this "little lad" wanted to favor her, wasn't he afraid of violating the natural order of human relations?
She helplessly wiped the hot sweat from the tip of her nose and stole a difficult glance at him. "Didn't Your Majesty summon me for a reprimand? To suddenly switch to bedtime service midway, if word got out, how bad would it sound? I cannot afford to lose that kind of face."
The Emperor felt like laughing at the sky. Serving in bed was the only thing concubines pursued with tireless devotion. If she got into the dragon bed tonight, everyone would look at her differently tomorrow. She really was an ignorant young girl; she didn't seize the opportunity when it was handed to her. Once this chance passed, there might not be another.
"Are you saying you don't want to serve? Since you’ve been promoted, how can there be a logic where you don't serve? Do you expect to just occupy a rank and let the Internal Affairs Department raise an idle person?"
The Emperor had to maintain the upper hand. Even if he hadn't fully thought it through or prepared himself, it was necessary to make her understand her duties.
Yi Xing felt like a blade was pressed against her throat; it seemed there was no excuse left to make. If the Emperor ignored ritual propriety and only wanted to exercise his power, then so be it. Having come this far, she had to look forward and work toward the goal of rescuing her family.
Since it had to happen sooner or later, Yi Xing tossed her hair, but found it strangely empty without her long braid, leaving her feeling a bit hollow. Pushing through the void, she gathered her courage, looked around, and said: "How about I find a place to bathe first?" Along with that, she mentioned the harsh conditions of her quarters. "In my place, there isn't even a bathtub. I thought the Master wouldn't flip my tag, so I didn't bother washing up. Right now..." She deliberately raised her arms and tugged at the back of her clothes. "Right now, I'm covered in sweat. I'll go find Eunuch Huai'en and have him prepare it right away. Please wait for me, Your Majesty."
As she turned to leave, the Emperor was startled. Is she taking it seriously? Is she planning to force the issue tonight? Was her earlier hesitation all an act? Was it a deliberate ploy to make him compete with her?
"Wait..." The Emperor felt a bit displeased. "You're this slovenly, yet you went to the waiting room to be flipped? That is a lack of reverence for me."
Yi Xing said, "It’s not that I intended to be irreverent; it's that my palace has no tub, no soap, no hot water... nothing at all. That’s why I've failed the imperial grace. After tonight, could you grant me a bathtub? In the future, when I come to the waiting room, I will definitely clean myself up to prepare for Your Majesty's favor."
How... ambitious! One night of service in exchange for a bathtub? By the time she climbed to the rank of Imperial Noble Consort, the palace wouldn't be able to hold all her things.
However, the allotment for a Daying was indeed limited. She was raised in luxury, and yet now she lacked basic necessities, let alone fragrant powders. No wonder she was standing there sweating. Looking at her, the Emperor saw the pitiable reality beneath her artificial performance.
"Someone come!" he called out.
Huai'en immediately entered the room with a hunched back. "Awaiting Your Majesty's instructions."
The Emperor frowned and gestured casually at the stunned girl. "Order the Internal Affairs Department to send a full set of bathing equipment to the Yilan Pavilion, and arrange two sets of summer clothes for her."
Huai'en replied, "Yes," and immediately backed out to relay the order.
Yi Xing was surprised. She hadn't even served in bed yet, and the bathtub was already secured. Not only were her washing troubles solved, but she was also granted two sets of clothes. Her nose suddenly felt a bit sore with emotion. She thought to herself that they had "met through conflict" as children, but the Emperor wasn't as vengeful as she had feared.
"You even inquired about where I live..." she said with deep gratitude. "There are so many rooms in the Chuxiu Palace; how did you know I live in the Yilan Pavilion?"
The Emperor froze, realizing he was about to blow his cover.
The last time he went to see her, it was in the identity of Physician Xia. The memories stored in his mind were those of Physician Xia. How could he be so careless as to let it slip?
He had to do his best to remedy it, so the Emperor started rambling. "It was the Noble Consort who mentioned it yesterday when reporting business, saying Concubine Mao had placed you in the Yilan Pavilion. I simply remembered it. As for tonight's service... forget it. Another day... wait until you’ve scrubbed yourself clean. Don't dirty my dragon bed."
To be honest, it was he who retreated at the last moment.
Normally, an Emperor favoring the harem was the simplest thing—it didn't require much emotion. Once the lights were out, it was just a matter of man and woman, all done for a moment of pleasure and the continuation of the lineage. But for some reason, he couldn't bring himself to do those things when facing her. Whether it was because she had frightened him as a child or because he truly valued the generational hierarchy, he couldn't say for sure.
Look at her: a sixteen-year-old girl, as fresh as a flower. Although she used many tricks to get promoted, he didn't think there was anything wrong with what she did. For example, those cringeworthy words and actions just now were all signs of her scheming. It didn't matter if she was scheming, as long as he could control the situation and her. However, as for the actual favor, he felt it was better to wait. Not for any other reason, but because even he wasn't sure if he could maintain his "majestic vigor" once they stood together in complete honesty.
On her end, Yi Xing didn't appreciate the Emperor's arrogant attitude. If he didn't want the service, fine—that's what she wanted anyway, but saying she would dirty his dragon bed was truly unpleasant.
He was still petty. Though he was fair on major issues, he searched for every way to settle the score on the small things.
Taking a cautious look at him, Yi Xing remembered after the old Emperor's feast, she had bumped into him in a private spot. Back then, he was fuming, pointing at her and saying, "You just wait." That high-pitched tone still echoed in her ears.
As soon as she peeked at him, the Emperor noticed. He lowered his voice and said, "What? Because I didn't ask you to serve, you're unhappy?"
Yi Xing said she wasn't. "Tomorrow I will definitely clean up before coming. So, Your Majesty, will you flip my tag tomorrow?"
Was she trying to hasten his end? The Emperor thought: I’ll flip it if I’m happy, and I won’t if I’m not. None of your business! But he said aloud, "I have been burdened with mountain-like state affairs lately. Whether I flip you depends on whether the ministers submit meal tags tomorrow." He turned to look at her. " I’ve never seen a concubine like you. Inquiring about when you’ll serve, don't you know any shame?"
Yi Xing blushed and said she did. "But isn't that to gain face before you? Besides, I'm not a high-ranking concubine; I'm a Daying. Dayings generally care about their prospects. Once I become a high-ranking concubine, I will naturally be more dignified and won't argue with you over such things anymore."
One sentence triggered two different thoughts. Yi Xing meant: Hurry up and let me rise high, so I won't have to bother you anymore. The Emperor's thought was different: If she becomes dignified, she won't be so clingy anymore, and she’ll become as steady and boring as the Noble Consort. That would be too dull.
So he had to promote her slowly and reasonably. The Emperor turned his face and smiled slightly at her. "Whether you rise to Concubine or Consort depends on your own ability. I won't hide it from you: the positions for the four Consorts and six Concubines are not full. As long as you show promise, bestowing a title upon you is just a matter of a single word from me."
With such a big "pancake" dangled before her, Yi Xing’s fighting spirit was instantly ignited. She lifted her chin and said, "The harem is vast, there will eventually be a time for me to stand out. Just watch me; I will be diligent and follow the Master's lead in everything."
This wasn't the attitude of someone earning glory in bed; it was like she was treating the harem as a battlefield.
Very good. The Emperor was satisfied. With no Empress, the harem had been in chaos for two years. The Noble Consort lacked ability, allowing the Chuxiu Palace to pull such stunts. If he didn't fix it, it would never be proper. The former Empress had gone off to live the life she wanted; if her Shang family didn't clean up the mess she left behind, who would?
In a rare move, like assigning a heavy responsibility to an official, the Emperor patted Yi Xing on the shoulder. "I hope you are as good as your word. I will be watching you; do not fail my expectations."
Yi Xing cupped her hands and said, "It is late. Since I don't have to serve, I will head back, lest the maid from Concubine Mao's side waits at the door in vain. It would be quite pitiable."
The Emperor said, "Fine. The gates are locked; I’ll have someone see you back."
The conversation ended in a harmonious atmosphere. Yi Xing received her orders and withdrew from the East Warming Pavilion. Just as she reached the hall door, Huai'en came forward with a smile and a bow. "Mistress Yi need not send for anyone else. The guards on duty at every gate know me. I will escort you back to Chuxiu Palace personally, to save the boys below the trouble of requesting passes."
To be escorted by the Head Eunuch of the Emperor, what a grand honor! Yi Xing quickly said, "Thank you, Ande."
Huai'en bowed and went to pick up a lantern.
Only then did Yin Zhu dare to speak, saying in a low voice, "Mistress, you scared me. You were in there for so long, I really feared the Emperor was punishing you."
Yi Xing said that wasn't possible. She glanced back and whispered in Yin Zhu's ear, "The Emperor and I had a very pleasant talk; we nearly became sworn brothers."
Speaking of which, her shoulder still felt the heavy weight of where he had patted her. She now couldn't help but doubt Physician Xia's words. He said the Emperor hadn't been informed of Concubine Mao’s false pregnancy, but from the Master's tone just now, he clearly knew something was up. He just hadn't exposed it, likely feeling it would be embarrassing to say out loud, so he was waiting for her to handle the "little ghosts" for him. That's why he used such encouraging words as "do not fail my expectations."
Yin Zhu was stunned. "How... sworn brothers..."
Yi Xing gave a chuckle. Seeing Huai'en coming with the goat-horn lantern, she didn't say more. She and Yin Zhu supported each other as they walked down the steps of the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
"Mistress, follow me..." Huai'en led the way and then instructed Yin Zhu, "Watch the Mistress's step."
Yin Zhu complied and helped Yi Xing over the threshold of Zunyi Gate.
Heading north from West First Long Street, the alleyway was deep and long. During the day, there were many palace people passing by, but at night, both ends were blocked off. The alley was silent, with only a single ghostly lantern floating, lighting a ten-foot radius.
Huai'en wanted to chat with the "Old Auntie," saying gently, "Mistress is very lucky. This is the first time His Majesty has personally ordered a reward. I’ve already sent word to the Internal Affairs Department; the items will be delivered tomorrow morning."
Yi Xing said with a smile, "I thank His Majesty for his great grace. I just spoke up with a thick skin; I didn't expect the Great One to actually reward me. It’s a pleasant surprise."
"Indeed. After all, it's due to the old friendship." Huai'en spoke as if they had a very deep bond. Seeing Yi Xing's hesitation, he smiled again. "Don't doubt it, Mistress. For better or worse, you knew him since childhood, unlike the other Masters in the palace. You likely don't remember me, but when the old Emperor toured the South for the second time, I was part of the escort for the Master. So, I know a bit about the history between you and the Master."
Yi Xing was stunned, then said bashfully, "It’s quite embarrassing to talk about. Let's not mention it."
Huai'en laughed. "What’s there to it? You were only five or six that year. What does a child understand? His Majesty won't truly hold it against you."
Yi Xing was still a bit sheepish. "You were outside; I don't know if you heard him mocking me. He said I hadn't scrubbed clean and would dirty his dragon bed."
Huai'en, however, had a different interpretation.
"Mistress was just promoted, so you probably don't know the rules of the Hall of Mental Cultivation. The Master usually lives in the rear hall. The east end room of the rear hall is the Empress's Tishun Tang, and the west end room is the Yanxi Tang, where concubines stay after serving. Usually, when a tag is flipped, the concubines wait for His Majesty in the Yanxi Tang. After the favor, His Majesty doesn't stay the night and returns to his own bedroom. Think about it: His Majesty just said he feared you would dirty his dragon bed. What does that mean? He has already acknowledged that you are allowed onto his bed, that is a big deal!" Huai'en looked back. As a servant, he had a sharp nose for these things. The more he looked at the Old Auntie, the more she looked like someone destined for exclusive favor. He smiled. "Mistress’s fortune is deep; your future is limitless. His Majesty rules the world and is a deep, refined person. Serving such a Master, you can't just listen to the literal meaning of his words; you have to ponder deeply."
Yi Xing was confused and didn't think the Emperor had such deep intentions. He was just mocking her and said it casually.
Yin Zhu, however, believed it wholeheartedly. She made a sound of excitement. "Mistress, your days of rising high are just ahead."
Of course, those good days had to be earned by herself. The Emperor had entrusted her with a heavy task. From his tone, he likely wouldn't "deal" with her until she performed a service.
While they spoke, they arrived at the Chenghuo Right Gate. Huai'en stepped forward and knocked. Someone inside asked who it was. He said in a low voice, "It's me." That single shout was an all-access pass.
The eunuchs on duty heard him and quickly pulled the bolt to open the small side door. After this gate was the Zhousi Gate; again, only a "It's me" was needed. The strict palace security opened just like that.
Yi Xing followed Huai'en along West Second Long Street. Actually, she had always been suspicious of Physician Xia's ability to navigate the Forbidden City at night, but she couldn't verify it. She hesitated before asking Huai'en: "The gates are so strictly guarded; if something happens at night, it must be impossible to move an inch, right?"
Huai'en's brain whirled, and he knew she was thinking about Physician Xia. He couldn't answer too directly, so he said: "For ordinary palace people, it is indeed impossible. But there are always exceptions. For example, if the Emperor gives an order to dispatch someone, or if a Mistress of a palace suddenly falls ill and sends a palace maid through the gates to pass the word, the gates can be opened temporarily."
Essentially, there was always a way. After living in a place for a long time, one can find some loopholes. Huai'en stopped just short of saying that if one goes west from the Zhousi Gate alleyway through the Shou'an Gate, they would reach the banks of the Golden Water River. That path leads directly north to the Anle Tang. If Physician Xia took that route, it could be said to be a smooth journey all the way.
Yi Xing understood in her heart and didn't ask further.
They reached the Changkang Right Gate. Huai'en led them into the alleyway. When he knocked on the door of Chuxiu Palace, a small eunuch inside grumbled: "Sent back again. If I’d known, why bother waiting in the waiting room..."
When the door opened and he saw Huai'en's face, the lantern light illuminating that pale skin, the little eunuch jumped in fright. "Head... Head Eunuch..."
Huai'en had a cold smile on his lips. His anger flared because the Chuxiu Palace servants were disrespectful to the Old Auntie. "Good boy, you're doing a fine job. If I don't give you a kick to the chest today, you won't know how many eyes Lord Ma has." He kicked him. The gatekeeper didn't dare dodge and rolled with the impact, his head hitting the leg of a bench with a thud.
The other one nearby was frozen in shock. Who could have imagined that a tiny Daying would be personally escorted back by the Head Eunuch of the Emperor? He hurriedly came forward to smooth things over. "He's a fool with no fortune, losing his mind in front of you. Please be magnanimous and don't hold it against him. I apologize on his behalf."
Huai'en snorted. "Is it me you offended? It's Mistress Yi! You brainless dogs, the Mistress's foot is higher than your heads, yet you act so arrogant. If there's a next time, I'll flatten you!"
The two gatekeepers were scolded like grandsons. The Imperial Palace had its own set of protocols for superiors dealing with subordinates.
At that moment, Yi Xing looked toward the main hall and saw someone step out, likely noticing the commotion at the gate. Recognizing Huai'en, they quickly retreated back into the hall as if avoiding a plague.
Huai'en finally finished his scolding and lowered his sleeves to Yi Xing. "Mistress has been wronged; I’ve disciplined them for you. It's late; please go back and settle in. I shall take my leave."
Yi Xing nodded and returned the gesture. Seeing him return the way he came with his lantern, she and Yin Zhu walked into the front courtyard together.
With Huai'en making such a scene, all the halls must have been informed. This time it was quiet; no one came out of the main hall to mock them, and they returned smoothly to the Yilan Pavilion.
Han Zhen, who was watching the house, came out to meet them. After bringing them inside, she whispered: "You only just returned; I was so worried I didn't know what to do. I checked with Yong Changzai earlier, and I didn't hear of anyone's tag being flipped... What did the Emperor keep you for? It wasn't to scold you for taking the wrong path the other day, was it?"
Yi Xing smacked her lips. "You really guessed it."
Hanzhen was shocked and cried out: "Well, you came back in one piece. Looking at you, His Majesty must have shown some mercy."
Yi Xing smiled. "More than mercy. If I hadn't missed my bath today, I would have stayed to serve in bed. Tomorrow, the Internal Affairs Department will send us a bathtub. This is a big item for our room; in the future, we won't have to worry about where to bathe."
Yi Xing was carefree and very satisfied with the results of this trip. she walked around to figure out where the bathtub should be placed.
She left Han Zhen and Yin Zhu staring at each other, thinking: Scolded so much she almost served in bed? Could His Majesty have been coveting the Old Auntie for a long time?.
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