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Chapter 48
The flower catkins fell silently in the evening light, delicate red petals drifting gently.
The spring wind urged peach branches to gradually blossom. Vibrant greenery surrounded clusters upon clusters of peach blossoms like a swath of pink clouds, their fragrance so rich it seemed to envelop the entire palace.
In Cining Palace.
Concubine Zhou had just left. For a brief moment, the hall fell silent. The Empress Dowager sat with eyes closed, unhurriedly turning her prayer beads. When Nanny Wu returned after seeing Zhou off, she witnessed this scene.
She stepped forward and tidied away the teacup Zhou had just used, having a palace servant take it away. After a pause, she said:
"Is Your Majesty still thinking about what Concubine Zhou just said?"
The Empress Dowager opened her eyes and shook her head: "This Palace understands that girl A Han. She's never been able to keep things to herself and rarely willing to tax her mind. Without someone prompting her, she would never think deeply about His Majesty's intentions."
These words were euphemistic, essentially laughing at Zhou's lack of brains.
Nanny Wu couldn't help but chuckle: "Concubine Zhou simply has an uncomplicated mind."
The Empress Dowager had no particular opinion of Concubine Zhou. Zhou was her elder brother's only legitimate daughter, with features somewhat resembling her own. Just looking at her, the Empress Dowager felt as if she were glimpsing her younger self.
She couldn't help wanting to indulge her somewhat.
The atmosphere in the hall eased. Nanny Wu glanced at the Empress Dowager's expression. Having accompanied her mistress for so many years, she naturally guessed what was on her mind. She said quietly:
"Does Your Majesty regret binding Concubine Zhou and Concubine Zhao together?"
The Empress Dowager's expression grew more detached. Without raising her head, she continued turning those prayer beads. The hall fell silent for a moment. After a long while, the Empress Dowager shook her head:
"This Palace only feels she resembles me greatly."
Nanny Wu froze, realizing something, and abruptly fell silent.
The Empress Dowager lowered her eyes. She didn't expect anyone to respond, only saying gently and slowly: "When this Palace entered the palace, I was just like her, gaining the Late Emperor's favor immediately upon entry. Even our experiences during the selection were similar."
Similarly befriending another selected lady. After entering the palace, mindful of that bond, repeatedly helping that lady.
Nanny Wu glanced at her mistress's hands. The fingers pressing the prayer beads had gone white. Nanny Wu sighed inwardly. Her mistress had never actually believed in gods or Buddha. She clung to these prayer beads daily only because she felt guilt.
Her mistress always thought that if only she hadn't wrongly trusted a villain back then, those two young masters wouldn't have died in the womb.
As long as her mistress held these prayer beads for even one day, she wouldn't forget that anguish for even one day. But Nanny Wu couldn't offer consolation. The pain and oppression her mistress suffered during that period still seemed vivid before her eyes.
All words of comfort seemed pale and powerless beneath her mistress's tear-stained face.
She could only call out with heartache: "Your Majesty…"
The Empress Dowager shook her head to interrupt her. She rarely smiled, maintaining an impassive expression much like Lu Yu's. She changed the subject as if nothing had happened:
"Having Zhou come to sound things out also shows she's quite clever."
She hadn't foolishly thought she could deceive the Empress Dowager, so the Dowager granted her wish and revealed some information through Zhou. Only the Empress Dowager still felt somewhat disappointed:
"If only A Han could be like this, why would This Palace need to pave the way for others?"
Nanny Wu shook her head helplessly: "But wasn't it Your Majesty who hinted to His Majesty to change candidates?"
With the Lin family producing an Empress, their ambitions had grown ever larger, wanting more and more. At court, the Lin family had repeatedly impeached the Chen clan, attempting to grasp military authority. In the palace, they had sent in another Lin woman, hoping she would bear an imperial heir to be given to the Empress as a legitimate son.
Their wild ambitions were plain as day.
His Majesty had long planned to deal with the Lin family. From the moment the Lin woman entered the palace, he had already been plotting. Only back then, His Majesty had intended for Concubine Zhao to occupy the position Rong Bǎolín now held.
In comparison, Rong Bǎolín held no advantages whatsoever. Using her as a chess piece made it too easy for people to see His Majesty was putting on an act.
But Her Majesty had felt a measure of sympathetic pity for Concubine Zhao and had hinted to His Majesty several times, more or less.
At these words, the Empress Dowager couldn't help but snort irritably:
"You truly think he listened to This Palace's words?"
Nanny Wu looked surprised.
The Empress Dowager shook her head. She understood this imperial son too well, everything he did had his own intentions behind it. But the timing when His Majesty truly removed Concubine Zhao from the chessboard happened to be right after that Mid-Autumn banquet.
Even though His Majesty was her own son, the Empress Dowager had to admit he was indeed far too hard-hearted.
Perhaps it was Concubine Zhao saving the imperial prince that time that finally softened him somewhat. The Empress Dowager also couldn't quite see through it. After a long while, she said:
"Perhaps His Majesty has truly developed some tender feelings for her."
Concubine Zhao resembled her greatly, but Concubine Zhao was cleverer than her. Upon sensing something amiss, she hadn't let so-called sentiment blind her eyes. She had decisively distanced herself from Rong Bǎolín, unlike how she herself had been back then, indecisive and too trusting of others.
Her journey to this point had exhausted too much of her spirit along the way.
Looking at Concubine Zhao was like looking at her former self, choosing an entirely different path at the same juncture.
The Empress Dowager gripped her prayer beads tightly. She had selfish motives. Perhaps others would find it hard to understand, but she wanted to watch Concubine Zhao's path remain smooth!
Precisely because of this, she'd pushed Concubine Zhou toward Concubine Zhao.
**
The daylight gradually faded. The night grew so deep it seemed impossible to dissolve. Wind rustled through the bamboo grove with a whispering sound. The crescent moon illuminated the starry sky.
Yangxin Hall was exceptionally quiet.
Lu Yu sat in a rosewood chair, expressionlessly looking down.
Liu An had come and gone several times, moving carefully without making a sound. The night was cool, he rubbed his arms. Under his godson's inquiring gaze, he waved his hand in annoyance, telling him to move farther away.
He leaned against a pillar in the corridor, muttering to himself.
His Majesty was in a foul mood, this was beyond question. After all, he'd just lost an imperial heir. His Majesty couldn't possibly be in good spirits, especially since this imperial heir could be said to have been destroyed by His Majesty's own hand.
Liu An attended His Majesty daily and could guess some of His Majesty's methods.
His Majesty wanted to elevate Rong Bǎolín, just as he'd once elevated Consort Shu. Actually, Consort Shu was a ready-made candidate, using Consort Shu against the Lin woman would have been the best prescription. But the Lin woman and Consort Shu's ranks differed too greatly. No matter how foolish, the Lin woman couldn't possibly contend with Consort Shu.
Among the mistresses in this harem whom Liu An took to heart and respected, there had previously been only the Empress, Consort Shu, and Zhāoróng Ling. Now he'd vaguely added only Concubine Zhao.
Liu An clearly knew Consort Shu was a chess piece His Majesty had placed in the harem, yet still respected her so. This was simply because Consort Shu was intelligent. The world said Consort Shu was pampered and domineering, but upon careful consideration, one would discover that aside from checking the Empress, Consort Shu had never done a single superfluous thing.
Moreover, for His Majesty, Consort Shu's role was mainly to balance the harem, so Consort Shu's position could be called quite secure. Wasting her on the Lin woman would be overkill.
Therefore, His Majesty had additionally elevated Rong Bǎolín.
Only one thing was improper.
By rights, when His Majesty elevated Rong Bǎolín, he should have elevated her even more ruthlessly. That way, when the Lin woman went after Rong Bǎolín, His Majesty's thunderous fury would seem perfectly natural.
Unfortunately, there was an unexpected variable in the plan, Concubine Zhao.
During that period, His Majesty should clearly have been elevating Rong Bǎolín, yet couldn't resist constantly running to Changchun Pavilion. This resulted in Rong Bǎolín clearly gaining favor, yet it seemed insubstantial.
But circumstances took a turn—who knew Rong Bǎolín would be so fortunate as to conceive an imperial heir?
Even His Majesty probably hadn't anticipated this development.
Otherwise, given how much His Majesty valued imperial heirs, he absolutely wouldn't have continued coldly watching Rong Bǎolín come to ruin.
But unfortunately, His Majesty learned of the imperial heir too late.
Personally destroying an imperial heir was no light blow to His Majesty. Since returning from Wanxi Palace, His Majesty had shut himself in the hall, not saying a single word until now.
Liu An looked up at the sky. He knew that when His Majesty emerged from the hall, everything would return to normal.
His Majesty's position meant he couldn't let emotions dictate his actions.
Suddenly, Liu An recalled the scene of His Majesty visiting Rong Bǎolín. He clicked his tongue inwardly. At that time, with no one else in the hall, Rong Bǎolín had finally regained consciousness. The moment she saw His Majesty clearly, she abruptly shed two lines of silent tears.
Liu An had frozen. He had personally witnessed what seemed like His Majesty pausing for a moment.
Consort Rong wept with closed eyes, soundlessly, yet inexplicably heartrending. After who knows how long, she grasped His Majesty's sleeve and asked chokingly:
"...Why?"
She didn't speak of pain. She didn't ask His Majesty to deliver justice. She only asked why.
But Liu An at that moment had been shocked speechless. Even His Majesty's eyes had darkened somewhat.
Rong Bǎolín seemed still in great pain. She curled up, crying so hard her body trembled, yet appeared extraordinarily restrained.
…She knew.
She knew she had miscarried.
She also knew His Majesty's favor toward her clearly had other calculations behind it.
She was at a loss, bewildered, yet couldn't even voice a single accusation or reproach. Even the hand gripping His Majesty's sleeve was somewhat weak and powerless.
Even Liu An felt somewhat unable to bear it.
His Majesty had remained silent for a very long time before tucking in her quilt corners and saying with lowered eyes:
"The Lin woman has been thrown into the Cold Palace. Rest well."
If you asked why he said Rong Bǎolín had great fortune?
Though she had lost the imperial heir, Rong Bǎolín had leapt out of the chess game.
Even Liu An now didn't dare say whether His Majesty might develop tender feelings for Rong Bǎolín. But at the very least, His Majesty's heart would certainly harbor a measure of guilt, whether toward Rong Bǎolín or toward that imperial heir. The ultimate beneficiary would only be Rong Bǎolín.
His thoughts gathering back, Liu An let out a long sigh. For a moment, he actually felt being castrated was pretty good not so many vexing matters.
Suddenly, the palace door was pushed open from inside.
Hearing the sound, Liu An immediately turned around. Seeing His Majesty, he startled and quickly hurried over: "Your Majesty, it's so late, where are you going?"
It was now near the end of the chou hour. All palaces and halls had retired for the night.
Lu Yu said nothing, only walking outward. He didn't summon a palanquin either. Liu An hastily waved to the servants at the imperial quarters. A group of people hurriedly followed soundlessly, even walking, not the slightest footstep could be heard.
Palace servants held lanterns and stepped forward, falling half a step behind Lu Yu, illuminating the path ahead for him.
Lu Yu didn't know where he was going either, wandering aimlessly. The scene of Rong Bǎolín curled up and continuously weeping kept replaying in his mind, making him exceptionally silent tonight.
After who knows how long, Liu An's voice sounded once more:
"Your Majesty, does this servant need to knock?"
Lu Yu suddenly came back to himself, only then realizing that at some unknown time, he'd walked to Yihe Palace. The palace gate was tightly shut. The lantern hanging in front had dimmed somewhat, one could see the people inside had long since retired.
Lu Yu, harboring some unknown thought, nodded lightly.
Liu An immediately stepped forward to knock.
When Gu Han was awakened, she was completely dazed. She only felt tonight had passed so quickly, she'd barely closed her eyes before being woken. Just as she was about to dawdle, she heard Jiu Nian's urgent urging:
"My lady, wake up quickly, His Majesty has arrived!"
All drowsiness was frightened away. Gu Han abruptly opened her eyes, only then discovering pitch darkness beyond the latticed windows. Even the moonlight seemed feeble.
It wasn't that tonight had passed quickly, she'd truly just closed her eyes before being awakened, only because of an unexpected visitor.
Memories from before sleep returned. Gu Han recalled what had happened yesterday. Her heart immediately tensed. As for any grogginess from being woken, that no longer existed. She'd barely thrown back the brocade quilt and sat up on the bed when the second curtain was lifted.
Gu Han looked up, somewhat stunned. She saw Lu Yu stride in carrying the night's chill. Gu Han shivered from the cold and immediately came to her senses. She furrowed her delicate brows. Without bothering to put on an outer robe, she stepped forward and grasped His Majesty's sleeve:
"What's wrong, Your Majesty?"
She had just emerged from the brocade quilt, her entire body emanating warmth. Anxiously touching His Majesty's hand, she only felt an icy sensation against her palm.
Usually it was Lu Yu who found her hands cold and warmed them for her. Today the situation was completely reversed. Gu Han held his hand with trepidation, her delicate brows tightly knit as she looked toward Liu An:
"The night is deep with heavy dew, when His Majesty came out, why didn't you have him wear a cloak?"
She was habitually gentle. This was the first time Liu An had heard Concubine Zhao rebuke palace servants. He smiled bitterly inwardly, but could only bow in apology outwardly:
"It was this servant's oversight."
Gu Han couldn't possibly overstep her bounds to punish Liu An, nor did she have that intention. After asking this question, she ordered palace servants to prepare hot water.
Lu Yu lowered his eyes, quietly watching the woman bustle about, directing the palace servants in circles.
Actually, the woman was currently disheveled, wearing only undergarments. He had come too suddenly, in her surprise, the woman hadn't even put on shoes. The hall was carpeted, so she remained completely unaware. Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders. Without powder or paint, her skin showed a frost-defying, snow-surpassing fairness.
Her hand was held captive, warmth continuously transmitting. The woman's mood was somewhat poor, her commands came quick and steady. Yet in this moment, Lu Yu felt she was gentler than ever before.
She never asked why he had come at this hour, never asked what had happened. She only hid all her worry in tightly knit brows and occasional glances, extraordinarily considerate.
Lu Yu suddenly pulled the woman into his embrace, looking down and saying:
"Stop bustling about."
Gu Han's movements paused. She bit her lip and fell silent. After a moment, she extended both arms to circle his waist, gently nuzzling her cheek against his shoulder and saying quietly:
"But Your Majesty is so cold."
Liu An and Jiu Nian exchanged glances and led the palace servants out. In moments, only the two of them remained in the hall.
Lu Yu looked down at the woman. She wore only a thin undergarment. Afraid of transmitting his chill to her, Lu Yu paused. He released the woman and removed his outer robe. His inner garment clung to his body, still carrying faint warmth.
He held the woman as they sat back on the bed. Gu Han complied with everything, quietly nestled in his embrace.
After a long while, Lu Yu finally said: "I woke you."
He knew that after the woman fell asleep, her temper grew quite fierce. The slightest sound would elicit a dissatisfied hum from her. Today she was so docile it didn't quite seem like her.
Gu Han imperceptibly concealed the emotions in her heart. She gently shook her head, saying nothing.
Lu Yu couldn't help but give her another look. He truly didn't want to talk, he only wanted someone nearby to keep him from dwelling on other matters.
He held the woman as they lay on the bed, doing nothing. After who knows how long, the hall so quiet not a single sound could be heard, suddenly, he asked:
"What does Han'er think of how I've treated Rong Bǎolín?"
The woman in his arms hadn't stirred, but Lu Yu knew she wasn't asleep.
After waiting a moment with still no movement from the woman, Lu Yu looked down in surprise and pushed at the woman's back.
Gu Han shifted slightly, feeling irritated, and ignored him.
On her bed, asking about how he treated other concubines, even knowing yesterday an imperial heir had just been lost and His Majesty's heart was troubled, Gu Han didn't want to speak. Who was he trying to annoy?
This appearance of throwing a tantrum just like any other day somehow made Lu Yu's heart lift with unexpected lightness. He clicked his tongue lightly, gripping the woman's waist and turning her around, asking quietly:
"I only said one thing, what are you doing now?"
Gu Han kept her eyes closed. No matter how he fussed, she simply wouldn't speak to him.
For a moment, how could Lu Yu still care about his complicated mood? He pinched the woman's cheeks, distorting her delicate features. The woman still wouldn't speak to him, wouldn't even open her eyes. How could Lu Yu not know she was throwing a tantrum?
Lu Yu nearly laughed in exasperation:
"Open your eyes and speak to me. Where exactly have I displeased you?"
Gu Han angrily pushed at him.
Lu Yu pinned both her hands down, not allowing her to move. Gu Han struggled. In the back-and-forth shoving, Gu Han's head hit the bed frame. She gasped sharply in pain and suddenly released her hands, ceasing all movement.
Lu Yu was just about to tell her to raise her head when a sudden chill touched his hand. Lu Yu immediately sensed something wrong. He gripped the woman's face, forcing her to look up.
When he saw the woman clearly, Lu Yu abruptly froze.
At some unknown time, tears had fallen from the woman's eyes. She bit her lip and lowered her gaze. Tears tumbled down in streams. Lu Yu rarely saw her cry. For a moment he frowned. He immediately sat up from the bed and felt the top of the woman's head:
"Did you hit it hard?"
As the words fell, Lu Yu felt this was impossible. Though Gu Han only appeared delicate, if she'd truly been hurt, she would only softly complain and act coquettish with him, not directly cry like this.
So the problem still lay with that question he'd just asked her.
A surge of irritation suddenly rose in Lu Yu's heart. He lowered his eyes slightly, his voice growing heavy:
"I'm not allowed to ask that question?"
After a long while, still hearing no response from the woman, Lu Yu felt a momentary impulse to rise and leave with a flick of his sleeves, feeling he'd been too indulgent with the woman in the past, allowing her to be so presumptuous.
But just looking at her appearance as she lowered her eyes and wept, Lu Yu seemed nailed to the bed, completely unable to abandon her and leave.
Lu Yu irritably raised his hand to massage his brow:
"What are you crying about? I won't ask, that's all."
He pulled the woman back into his embrace. This time she didn't push him away. Lu Yu actually felt a sense of relief, then paused, finding it somewhat absurd. How could he possibly experience such great emotional fluctuation because of one woman?
Perhaps it was because they were on the bed. Lu Yu glanced at the woman and ultimately pretended nothing had happened, coaxing quietly:
"Enough. Stop crying. If others hear, they'll think I bullied you."
After a long while, the woman's voice finally sounded in the hall, carrying a soft, tearful tone: "Didn't Your Majesty bully this concubine?"
Lu Yu recalled how the woman had just hit the bed frame, gasping sharply in pain. He felt rather guilty, but only snorted coldly without changing expression:
"If anyone else were as presumptuous as you, I would have ordered them into confinement for reflection long ago."
Gu Han glared at him with tear-moistened almond eyes. Under the quilt, she kicked him, not painfully, only making Lu Yu click his tongue lightly.
As if this kick had released all the resentment in her heart, she finally wiped away her tears, lowered her eyelids, and said quietly:
"This concubine doesn't like Your Majesty speaking of others to this concubine."
She pressed against Lu Yu's chest, gripping his collar, and managed to say: "At least in this concubine's hall, Your Majesty shouldn't mention them."
Lu Yu abruptly froze.
He finally understood why the woman had reacted so strongly after that question.
The hall remained silent for a very long time. Only then did Lu Yu embrace the woman, lowering his head to kiss her forehead, his voice low:
"Alright. I understand."
"Henceforth I won't mention them before Han'er."
The woman rarely cried, so each time she shed tears, it easily made Lu Yu feel tender-hearted, instinctively wanting to indulge her wishes.
Gu Han gripped Lu Yu's collar, head lowered. Imperceptibly, she breathed a sigh of relief in her heart.
Today His Majesty's reaction was very off. Gu Han could guess that perhaps His Majesty felt some regret over that imperial heir. But Gu Han had no particular feelings about this. When His Majesty did these things, had he not considered that Rong Bǎolín might become pregnant?
Making this appearance after the irreversible has been done only made Gu Han feel irritated.
If he truly felt he had wronged Rong Bǎolín, why wasn't he at Wanxi Palace now?
Coming to her palace yet asking about Rong Bǎolín, even having long known those in power were self-centered, Gu Han still found it rather speechless.
As Emperor, everyone deferred to him in all matters, not daring to defy him. To put it bluntly, he had long been spoiled rotten, completely unaware that this behavior was problematic.
Gu Han wasn't willing to indulge him. She had seized the opportunity to make an issue of it. Though she seemed to have easily obtained this promise from His Majesty, throughout the process she'd constantly monitored His Majesty's reactions. At the slightest sign of trouble, she wouldn't have continued acting out.
The red candles burned through a dreamless night. The next day, Gu Han woke early. Lu Yu had just risen but hadn't yet left. Turning back to see her sitting up, he glanced at the water clock with some surprise. He raised his hand to stop the palace servants' movements and returned to the bedside, reaching out to touch the woman's cheek:
"Did I wake you?"
Gu Han was still somewhat unclear-headed. She vaguely shook her head. A pair of delicate arms emerged from the brocade quilt, naturally embracing His Majesty's waist. She pressed her face against him and nuzzled lightly, her voice soft:
"Is Your Majesty leaving?"
Her voice carried heavy drowsiness and languidness. Lu Yu's heart stirred. Yesterday both had been in complicated moods, only embracing without doing anything. But ultimately, Lu Yu only stroked her dark hair, his voice gentle:
"Yes. It's still early, sleep a while longer. I'll come see you again in a few days."
Liu An stood to the side, watching His Majesty's actions. He couldn't help clicking his tongue inwardly.
Before His Majesty came to Changchun Pavilion yesterday, his mood hadn't been good. Last night he had also heard some sounds from the hall, he didn't know what had happened. How was it that after just one night, His Majesty had returned to normal, and moreover seemed even closer to Concubine Zhao than before?
Liu An couldn't help but glance at the still-drowsy Concubine Zhao, a trace of admiration rising in his heart.
Coming back to himself, he saw His Majesty looking at him coldly. Liu An was so frightened he shuddered and quickly lowered his head sheepishly. He wanted to slap himself twice, how had he lost focus at such a moment!
After leaving Changchun Pavilion, Liu An thought the matter had passed. Before boarding the palanquin, His Majesty suddenly stopped and looked down at him:
"You seem rather idle lately."
Liu An quickly waved his hands: "Aiyou, Your Majesty! This servant attends you daily, where would I find leisure!"
Lu Yu stared at him. After a long while, he finally looked away and let him off.
Liu An smiled bitterly, raising his hand to wipe the cold sweat that had formed on his forehead.
Author's Note:
["Being castrated is pretty good too"]
Lu Yu: ???
Read only on https://royaltywrites.com.ng/
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Chapter 48
The flower catkins fell silently in the evening light, delicate red petals drifting gently.
The spring wind urged peach branches to gradually blossom. Vibrant greenery surrounded clusters upon clusters of peach blossoms like a swath of pink clouds, their fragrance so rich it seemed to envelop the entire palace.
In Cining Palace.
Concubine Zhou had just left. For a brief moment, the hall fell silent. The Empress Dowager sat with eyes closed, unhurriedly turning her prayer beads. When Nanny Wu returned after seeing Zhou off, she witnessed this scene.
She stepped forward and tidied away the teacup Zhou had just used, having a palace servant take it away. After a pause, she said:
"Is Your Majesty still thinking about what Concubine Zhou just said?"
The Empress Dowager opened her eyes and shook her head: "This Palace understands that girl A Han. She's never been able to keep things to herself and rarely willing to tax her mind. Without someone prompting her, she would never think deeply about His Majesty's intentions."
These words were euphemistic, essentially laughing at Zhou's lack of brains.
Nanny Wu couldn't help but chuckle: "Concubine Zhou simply has an uncomplicated mind."
The Empress Dowager had no particular opinion of Concubine Zhou. Zhou was her elder brother's only legitimate daughter, with features somewhat resembling her own. Just looking at her, the Empress Dowager felt as if she were glimpsing her younger self.
She couldn't help wanting to indulge her somewhat.
The atmosphere in the hall eased. Nanny Wu glanced at the Empress Dowager's expression. Having accompanied her mistress for so many years, she naturally guessed what was on her mind. She said quietly:
"Does Your Majesty regret binding Concubine Zhou and Concubine Zhao together?"
The Empress Dowager's expression grew more detached. Without raising her head, she continued turning those prayer beads. The hall fell silent for a moment. After a long while, the Empress Dowager shook her head:
"This Palace only feels she resembles me greatly."
Nanny Wu froze, realizing something, and abruptly fell silent.
The Empress Dowager lowered her eyes. She didn't expect anyone to respond, only saying gently and slowly: "When this Palace entered the palace, I was just like her, gaining the Late Emperor's favor immediately upon entry. Even our experiences during the selection were similar."
Similarly befriending another selected lady. After entering the palace, mindful of that bond, repeatedly helping that lady.
Nanny Wu glanced at her mistress's hands. The fingers pressing the prayer beads had gone white. Nanny Wu sighed inwardly. Her mistress had never actually believed in gods or Buddha. She clung to these prayer beads daily only because she felt guilt.
Her mistress always thought that if only she hadn't wrongly trusted a villain back then, those two young masters wouldn't have died in the womb.
As long as her mistress held these prayer beads for even one day, she wouldn't forget that anguish for even one day. But Nanny Wu couldn't offer consolation. The pain and oppression her mistress suffered during that period still seemed vivid before her eyes.
All words of comfort seemed pale and powerless beneath her mistress's tear-stained face.
She could only call out with heartache: "Your Majesty…"
The Empress Dowager shook her head to interrupt her. She rarely smiled, maintaining an impassive expression much like Lu Yu's. She changed the subject as if nothing had happened:
"Having Zhou come to sound things out also shows she's quite clever."
She hadn't foolishly thought she could deceive the Empress Dowager, so the Dowager granted her wish and revealed some information through Zhou. Only the Empress Dowager still felt somewhat disappointed:
"If only A Han could be like this, why would This Palace need to pave the way for others?"
Nanny Wu shook her head helplessly: "But wasn't it Your Majesty who hinted to His Majesty to change candidates?"
With the Lin family producing an Empress, their ambitions had grown ever larger, wanting more and more. At court, the Lin family had repeatedly impeached the Chen clan, attempting to grasp military authority. In the palace, they had sent in another Lin woman, hoping she would bear an imperial heir to be given to the Empress as a legitimate son.
Their wild ambitions were plain as day.
His Majesty had long planned to deal with the Lin family. From the moment the Lin woman entered the palace, he had already been plotting. Only back then, His Majesty had intended for Concubine Zhao to occupy the position Rong Bǎolín now held.
In comparison, Rong Bǎolín held no advantages whatsoever. Using her as a chess piece made it too easy for people to see His Majesty was putting on an act.
But Her Majesty had felt a measure of sympathetic pity for Concubine Zhao and had hinted to His Majesty several times, more or less.
At these words, the Empress Dowager couldn't help but snort irritably:
"You truly think he listened to This Palace's words?"
Nanny Wu looked surprised.
The Empress Dowager shook her head. She understood this imperial son too well, everything he did had his own intentions behind it. But the timing when His Majesty truly removed Concubine Zhao from the chessboard happened to be right after that Mid-Autumn banquet.
Even though His Majesty was her own son, the Empress Dowager had to admit he was indeed far too hard-hearted.
Perhaps it was Concubine Zhao saving the imperial prince that time that finally softened him somewhat. The Empress Dowager also couldn't quite see through it. After a long while, she said:
"Perhaps His Majesty has truly developed some tender feelings for her."
Concubine Zhao resembled her greatly, but Concubine Zhao was cleverer than her. Upon sensing something amiss, she hadn't let so-called sentiment blind her eyes. She had decisively distanced herself from Rong Bǎolín, unlike how she herself had been back then, indecisive and too trusting of others.
Her journey to this point had exhausted too much of her spirit along the way.
Looking at Concubine Zhao was like looking at her former self, choosing an entirely different path at the same juncture.
The Empress Dowager gripped her prayer beads tightly. She had selfish motives. Perhaps others would find it hard to understand, but she wanted to watch Concubine Zhao's path remain smooth!
Precisely because of this, she'd pushed Concubine Zhou toward Concubine Zhao.
**
The daylight gradually faded. The night grew so deep it seemed impossible to dissolve. Wind rustled through the bamboo grove with a whispering sound. The crescent moon illuminated the starry sky.
Yangxin Hall was exceptionally quiet.
Lu Yu sat in a rosewood chair, expressionlessly looking down.
Liu An had come and gone several times, moving carefully without making a sound. The night was cool, he rubbed his arms. Under his godson's inquiring gaze, he waved his hand in annoyance, telling him to move farther away.
He leaned against a pillar in the corridor, muttering to himself.
His Majesty was in a foul mood, this was beyond question. After all, he'd just lost an imperial heir. His Majesty couldn't possibly be in good spirits, especially since this imperial heir could be said to have been destroyed by His Majesty's own hand.
Liu An attended His Majesty daily and could guess some of His Majesty's methods.
His Majesty wanted to elevate Rong Bǎolín, just as he'd once elevated Consort Shu. Actually, Consort Shu was a ready-made candidate, using Consort Shu against the Lin woman would have been the best prescription. But the Lin woman and Consort Shu's ranks differed too greatly. No matter how foolish, the Lin woman couldn't possibly contend with Consort Shu.
Among the mistresses in this harem whom Liu An took to heart and respected, there had previously been only the Empress, Consort Shu, and Zhāoróng Ling. Now he'd vaguely added only Concubine Zhao.
Liu An clearly knew Consort Shu was a chess piece His Majesty had placed in the harem, yet still respected her so. This was simply because Consort Shu was intelligent. The world said Consort Shu was pampered and domineering, but upon careful consideration, one would discover that aside from checking the Empress, Consort Shu had never done a single superfluous thing.
Moreover, for His Majesty, Consort Shu's role was mainly to balance the harem, so Consort Shu's position could be called quite secure. Wasting her on the Lin woman would be overkill.
Therefore, His Majesty had additionally elevated Rong Bǎolín.
Only one thing was improper.
By rights, when His Majesty elevated Rong Bǎolín, he should have elevated her even more ruthlessly. That way, when the Lin woman went after Rong Bǎolín, His Majesty's thunderous fury would seem perfectly natural.
Unfortunately, there was an unexpected variable in the plan, Concubine Zhao.
During that period, His Majesty should clearly have been elevating Rong Bǎolín, yet couldn't resist constantly running to Changchun Pavilion. This resulted in Rong Bǎolín clearly gaining favor, yet it seemed insubstantial.
But circumstances took a turn—who knew Rong Bǎolín would be so fortunate as to conceive an imperial heir?
Even His Majesty probably hadn't anticipated this development.
Otherwise, given how much His Majesty valued imperial heirs, he absolutely wouldn't have continued coldly watching Rong Bǎolín come to ruin.
But unfortunately, His Majesty learned of the imperial heir too late.
Personally destroying an imperial heir was no light blow to His Majesty. Since returning from Wanxi Palace, His Majesty had shut himself in the hall, not saying a single word until now.
Liu An looked up at the sky. He knew that when His Majesty emerged from the hall, everything would return to normal.
His Majesty's position meant he couldn't let emotions dictate his actions.
Suddenly, Liu An recalled the scene of His Majesty visiting Rong Bǎolín. He clicked his tongue inwardly. At that time, with no one else in the hall, Rong Bǎolín had finally regained consciousness. The moment she saw His Majesty clearly, she abruptly shed two lines of silent tears.
Liu An had frozen. He had personally witnessed what seemed like His Majesty pausing for a moment.
Consort Rong wept with closed eyes, soundlessly, yet inexplicably heartrending. After who knows how long, she grasped His Majesty's sleeve and asked chokingly:
"...Why?"
She didn't speak of pain. She didn't ask His Majesty to deliver justice. She only asked why.
But Liu An at that moment had been shocked speechless. Even His Majesty's eyes had darkened somewhat.
Rong Bǎolín seemed still in great pain. She curled up, crying so hard her body trembled, yet appeared extraordinarily restrained.
…She knew.
She knew she had miscarried.
She also knew His Majesty's favor toward her clearly had other calculations behind it.
She was at a loss, bewildered, yet couldn't even voice a single accusation or reproach. Even the hand gripping His Majesty's sleeve was somewhat weak and powerless.
Even Liu An felt somewhat unable to bear it.
His Majesty had remained silent for a very long time before tucking in her quilt corners and saying with lowered eyes:
"The Lin woman has been thrown into the Cold Palace. Rest well."
If you asked why he said Rong Bǎolín had great fortune?
Though she had lost the imperial heir, Rong Bǎolín had leapt out of the chess game.
Even Liu An now didn't dare say whether His Majesty might develop tender feelings for Rong Bǎolín. But at the very least, His Majesty's heart would certainly harbor a measure of guilt, whether toward Rong Bǎolín or toward that imperial heir. The ultimate beneficiary would only be Rong Bǎolín.
His thoughts gathering back, Liu An let out a long sigh. For a moment, he actually felt being castrated was pretty good not so many vexing matters.
Suddenly, the palace door was pushed open from inside.
Hearing the sound, Liu An immediately turned around. Seeing His Majesty, he startled and quickly hurried over: "Your Majesty, it's so late, where are you going?"
It was now near the end of the chou hour. All palaces and halls had retired for the night.
Lu Yu said nothing, only walking outward. He didn't summon a palanquin either. Liu An hastily waved to the servants at the imperial quarters. A group of people hurriedly followed soundlessly, even walking, not the slightest footstep could be heard.
Palace servants held lanterns and stepped forward, falling half a step behind Lu Yu, illuminating the path ahead for him.
Lu Yu didn't know where he was going either, wandering aimlessly. The scene of Rong Bǎolín curled up and continuously weeping kept replaying in his mind, making him exceptionally silent tonight.
After who knows how long, Liu An's voice sounded once more:
"Your Majesty, does this servant need to knock?"
Lu Yu suddenly came back to himself, only then realizing that at some unknown time, he'd walked to Yihe Palace. The palace gate was tightly shut. The lantern hanging in front had dimmed somewhat, one could see the people inside had long since retired.
Lu Yu, harboring some unknown thought, nodded lightly.
Liu An immediately stepped forward to knock.
When Gu Han was awakened, she was completely dazed. She only felt tonight had passed so quickly, she'd barely closed her eyes before being woken. Just as she was about to dawdle, she heard Jiu Nian's urgent urging:
"My lady, wake up quickly, His Majesty has arrived!"
All drowsiness was frightened away. Gu Han abruptly opened her eyes, only then discovering pitch darkness beyond the latticed windows. Even the moonlight seemed feeble.
It wasn't that tonight had passed quickly, she'd truly just closed her eyes before being awakened, only because of an unexpected visitor.
Memories from before sleep returned. Gu Han recalled what had happened yesterday. Her heart immediately tensed. As for any grogginess from being woken, that no longer existed. She'd barely thrown back the brocade quilt and sat up on the bed when the second curtain was lifted.
Gu Han looked up, somewhat stunned. She saw Lu Yu stride in carrying the night's chill. Gu Han shivered from the cold and immediately came to her senses. She furrowed her delicate brows. Without bothering to put on an outer robe, she stepped forward and grasped His Majesty's sleeve:
"What's wrong, Your Majesty?"
She had just emerged from the brocade quilt, her entire body emanating warmth. Anxiously touching His Majesty's hand, she only felt an icy sensation against her palm.
Usually it was Lu Yu who found her hands cold and warmed them for her. Today the situation was completely reversed. Gu Han held his hand with trepidation, her delicate brows tightly knit as she looked toward Liu An:
"The night is deep with heavy dew, when His Majesty came out, why didn't you have him wear a cloak?"
She was habitually gentle. This was the first time Liu An had heard Concubine Zhao rebuke palace servants. He smiled bitterly inwardly, but could only bow in apology outwardly:
"It was this servant's oversight."
Gu Han couldn't possibly overstep her bounds to punish Liu An, nor did she have that intention. After asking this question, she ordered palace servants to prepare hot water.
Lu Yu lowered his eyes, quietly watching the woman bustle about, directing the palace servants in circles.
Actually, the woman was currently disheveled, wearing only undergarments. He had come too suddenly, in her surprise, the woman hadn't even put on shoes. The hall was carpeted, so she remained completely unaware. Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders. Without powder or paint, her skin showed a frost-defying, snow-surpassing fairness.
Her hand was held captive, warmth continuously transmitting. The woman's mood was somewhat poor, her commands came quick and steady. Yet in this moment, Lu Yu felt she was gentler than ever before.
She never asked why he had come at this hour, never asked what had happened. She only hid all her worry in tightly knit brows and occasional glances, extraordinarily considerate.
Lu Yu suddenly pulled the woman into his embrace, looking down and saying:
"Stop bustling about."
Gu Han's movements paused. She bit her lip and fell silent. After a moment, she extended both arms to circle his waist, gently nuzzling her cheek against his shoulder and saying quietly:
"But Your Majesty is so cold."
Liu An and Jiu Nian exchanged glances and led the palace servants out. In moments, only the two of them remained in the hall.
Lu Yu looked down at the woman. She wore only a thin undergarment. Afraid of transmitting his chill to her, Lu Yu paused. He released the woman and removed his outer robe. His inner garment clung to his body, still carrying faint warmth.
He held the woman as they sat back on the bed. Gu Han complied with everything, quietly nestled in his embrace.
After a long while, Lu Yu finally said: "I woke you."
He knew that after the woman fell asleep, her temper grew quite fierce. The slightest sound would elicit a dissatisfied hum from her. Today she was so docile it didn't quite seem like her.
Gu Han imperceptibly concealed the emotions in her heart. She gently shook her head, saying nothing.
Lu Yu couldn't help but give her another look. He truly didn't want to talk, he only wanted someone nearby to keep him from dwelling on other matters.
He held the woman as they lay on the bed, doing nothing. After who knows how long, the hall so quiet not a single sound could be heard, suddenly, he asked:
"What does Han'er think of how I've treated Rong Bǎolín?"
The woman in his arms hadn't stirred, but Lu Yu knew she wasn't asleep.
After waiting a moment with still no movement from the woman, Lu Yu looked down in surprise and pushed at the woman's back.
Gu Han shifted slightly, feeling irritated, and ignored him.
On her bed, asking about how he treated other concubines, even knowing yesterday an imperial heir had just been lost and His Majesty's heart was troubled, Gu Han didn't want to speak. Who was he trying to annoy?
This appearance of throwing a tantrum just like any other day somehow made Lu Yu's heart lift with unexpected lightness. He clicked his tongue lightly, gripping the woman's waist and turning her around, asking quietly:
"I only said one thing, what are you doing now?"
Gu Han kept her eyes closed. No matter how he fussed, she simply wouldn't speak to him.
For a moment, how could Lu Yu still care about his complicated mood? He pinched the woman's cheeks, distorting her delicate features. The woman still wouldn't speak to him, wouldn't even open her eyes. How could Lu Yu not know she was throwing a tantrum?
Lu Yu nearly laughed in exasperation:
"Open your eyes and speak to me. Where exactly have I displeased you?"
Gu Han angrily pushed at him.
Lu Yu pinned both her hands down, not allowing her to move. Gu Han struggled. In the back-and-forth shoving, Gu Han's head hit the bed frame. She gasped sharply in pain and suddenly released her hands, ceasing all movement.
Lu Yu was just about to tell her to raise her head when a sudden chill touched his hand. Lu Yu immediately sensed something wrong. He gripped the woman's face, forcing her to look up.
When he saw the woman clearly, Lu Yu abruptly froze.
At some unknown time, tears had fallen from the woman's eyes. She bit her lip and lowered her gaze. Tears tumbled down in streams. Lu Yu rarely saw her cry. For a moment he frowned. He immediately sat up from the bed and felt the top of the woman's head:
"Did you hit it hard?"
As the words fell, Lu Yu felt this was impossible. Though Gu Han only appeared delicate, if she'd truly been hurt, she would only softly complain and act coquettish with him, not directly cry like this.
So the problem still lay with that question he'd just asked her.
A surge of irritation suddenly rose in Lu Yu's heart. He lowered his eyes slightly, his voice growing heavy:
"I'm not allowed to ask that question?"
After a long while, still hearing no response from the woman, Lu Yu felt a momentary impulse to rise and leave with a flick of his sleeves, feeling he'd been too indulgent with the woman in the past, allowing her to be so presumptuous.
But just looking at her appearance as she lowered her eyes and wept, Lu Yu seemed nailed to the bed, completely unable to abandon her and leave.
Lu Yu irritably raised his hand to massage his brow:
"What are you crying about? I won't ask, that's all."
He pulled the woman back into his embrace. This time she didn't push him away. Lu Yu actually felt a sense of relief, then paused, finding it somewhat absurd. How could he possibly experience such great emotional fluctuation because of one woman?
Perhaps it was because they were on the bed. Lu Yu glanced at the woman and ultimately pretended nothing had happened, coaxing quietly:
"Enough. Stop crying. If others hear, they'll think I bullied you."
After a long while, the woman's voice finally sounded in the hall, carrying a soft, tearful tone: "Didn't Your Majesty bully this concubine?"
Lu Yu recalled how the woman had just hit the bed frame, gasping sharply in pain. He felt rather guilty, but only snorted coldly without changing expression:
"If anyone else were as presumptuous as you, I would have ordered them into confinement for reflection long ago."
Gu Han glared at him with tear-moistened almond eyes. Under the quilt, she kicked him, not painfully, only making Lu Yu click his tongue lightly.
As if this kick had released all the resentment in her heart, she finally wiped away her tears, lowered her eyelids, and said quietly:
"This concubine doesn't like Your Majesty speaking of others to this concubine."
She pressed against Lu Yu's chest, gripping his collar, and managed to say: "At least in this concubine's hall, Your Majesty shouldn't mention them."
Lu Yu abruptly froze.
He finally understood why the woman had reacted so strongly after that question.
The hall remained silent for a very long time. Only then did Lu Yu embrace the woman, lowering his head to kiss her forehead, his voice low:
"Alright. I understand."
"Henceforth I won't mention them before Han'er."
The woman rarely cried, so each time she shed tears, it easily made Lu Yu feel tender-hearted, instinctively wanting to indulge her wishes.
Gu Han gripped Lu Yu's collar, head lowered. Imperceptibly, she breathed a sigh of relief in her heart.
Today His Majesty's reaction was very off. Gu Han could guess that perhaps His Majesty felt some regret over that imperial heir. But Gu Han had no particular feelings about this. When His Majesty did these things, had he not considered that Rong Bǎolín might become pregnant?
Making this appearance after the irreversible has been done only made Gu Han feel irritated.
If he truly felt he had wronged Rong Bǎolín, why wasn't he at Wanxi Palace now?
Coming to her palace yet asking about Rong Bǎolín, even having long known those in power were self-centered, Gu Han still found it rather speechless.
As Emperor, everyone deferred to him in all matters, not daring to defy him. To put it bluntly, he had long been spoiled rotten, completely unaware that this behavior was problematic.
Gu Han wasn't willing to indulge him. She had seized the opportunity to make an issue of it. Though she seemed to have easily obtained this promise from His Majesty, throughout the process she'd constantly monitored His Majesty's reactions. At the slightest sign of trouble, she wouldn't have continued acting out.
The red candles burned through a dreamless night. The next day, Gu Han woke early. Lu Yu had just risen but hadn't yet left. Turning back to see her sitting up, he glanced at the water clock with some surprise. He raised his hand to stop the palace servants' movements and returned to the bedside, reaching out to touch the woman's cheek:
"Did I wake you?"
Gu Han was still somewhat unclear-headed. She vaguely shook her head. A pair of delicate arms emerged from the brocade quilt, naturally embracing His Majesty's waist. She pressed her face against him and nuzzled lightly, her voice soft:
"Is Your Majesty leaving?"
Her voice carried heavy drowsiness and languidness. Lu Yu's heart stirred. Yesterday both had been in complicated moods, only embracing without doing anything. But ultimately, Lu Yu only stroked her dark hair, his voice gentle:
"Yes. It's still early, sleep a while longer. I'll come see you again in a few days."
Liu An stood to the side, watching His Majesty's actions. He couldn't help clicking his tongue inwardly.
Before His Majesty came to Changchun Pavilion yesterday, his mood hadn't been good. Last night he had also heard some sounds from the hall, he didn't know what had happened. How was it that after just one night, His Majesty had returned to normal, and moreover seemed even closer to Concubine Zhao than before?
Liu An couldn't help but glance at the still-drowsy Concubine Zhao, a trace of admiration rising in his heart.
Coming back to himself, he saw His Majesty looking at him coldly. Liu An was so frightened he shuddered and quickly lowered his head sheepishly. He wanted to slap himself twice, how had he lost focus at such a moment!
After leaving Changchun Pavilion, Liu An thought the matter had passed. Before boarding the palanquin, His Majesty suddenly stopped and looked down at him:
"You seem rather idle lately."
Liu An quickly waved his hands: "Aiyou, Your Majesty! This servant attends you daily, where would I find leisure!"
Lu Yu stared at him. After a long while, he finally looked away and let him off.
Liu An smiled bitterly, raising his hand to wipe the cold sweat that had formed on his forehead.
Author's Note:
["Being castrated is pretty good too"]
Lu Yu: ???
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