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Kapitel 19

Yelü Xian walked to Xiao Xuan's bedroom door and pushed it open. After he entered, the maids quickly closed the door, dismissing the guards and servants outside, leaving only one or two at the door to await his orders. Their attentive and considerate actions pleased Yelü Xian for the first time. Previously, when he slept with Consort Shu, he hadn't found these maids particularly efficient in such matters; today, with her, everything had become interesting. Looking inside, he saw her already lying on the bed. Yelü Xian walked step by step to the bridal bed, stopping beside it, looking at her soundly asleep.

A faint aroma of wine wafted into his nose.

Slowly sitting down beside the sleeping Xiao Xuan, Yelü Xian gazed at her bright and beautiful face, his heart fluttering. Gently lowering his head, he recognized the scent of wine emanating from her, and couldn't help but grin.

"Xiao Chuo, Yan Yan, you can be my woman in peace. I will cherish you." Regardless of whether she could hear him or not, Yelü Xian spoke softly with his lips slightly parted. He placed his hand on Xiao Xuan's rosy cheeks and gently stroked them. Where his hand touched, her skin was as smooth as silk. He stopped, unable to resist her temptation any longer. Yelü Xian leaned down and kissed her lips and her slightly warm face.

Slowly, he undressed her, piece by piece, revealing her fair and supple skin. He ran his fingers along her skin, enjoying the thrill of her warmth. Once all her clothes were removed, Yelü Xian immediately noticed the scar on Xiao Xuan's shoulder. His fingers trembled as he touched the scar, his brow furrowing. Was this the injury that the Han man had inflicted on her, the one Xiu Ge had spoken of? Glancing at Xiao Xuan's sleeping face, Yelü Xian lowered his head and gently kissed the small, ugly scar, as if each kiss would erase it, as if he wanted to melt it away with his kisses. After the kiss, he stroked it again. "Yan Yan, this wound must hurt a lot. You've suffered these past few days. From now on, with me, Yelü Xian, here, I will never let anyone touch you again."

Stripping off his own clothes, Yelü Xian lay on top of the alluring woman, enjoying the rights of a man. At the moment it all began, he was startled. He had assumed that during her time away from home, especially after being so badly injured, she must have suffered some kind of humiliation. But in that instant, he experienced the best a woman could give him.

A wave of self-reproach washed over him. He recalled the scene at Xiao Siwen's house, where she insisted on searching for Han Derang. The man who had waited for her for so many years—it was he who had torn them apart, he who had taken away the woman who rightfully belonged to Han Derang. "Yan Yan," he thought, "I will let you know that I am better than him. As my woman, I will make you completely satisfied."

The night was quiet, and in the stillness, only the man's panting could be heard, revealing his desire.

early morning.

Xiao Xuan, feeling dizzy and lightheaded, finally woke up, her head still slightly aching. Serves her right! Who told you to drink such awful stuff! She really deserved it, she thought to herself, gently rubbing her forehead.

"You're awake. Headache? Don't drink so much alcohol in the future."

A man's gentle voice reached my ears.

Xiao Xuan was stunned. Then she saw her bare arms and shoulders exposed outside the blankets. Without a doubt, something must have happened. Feeling the extreme discomfort and even pain emanating from her naked body under the covers, Xiao Xuan knew without guessing what had happened after she got drunk last night.

Needless to say, the man lying next to her must be him, and Xiaoxuan's face darkened.

He had expected that if he spoke to her beside him, she would look at him with nervousness, panic, or surprise. However, she remained indifferent, not even glancing at him. Yelü Xian saw Xiao Xuan's expression; that calm, uncaring demeanor pierced his heart like a sharp sword.

He rose without another word, slowly dressing himself. Once dressed, he got out of bed and walked towards the door. He no longer had the courage to look back at her on the bed. "I'll go out first. If you need anything, just tell the servants or guards. You're not feeling well, so don't move around too much. Rest well." With that, Yelü Xian opened the door and left.

Seeing the door close, Xiaoxuan closed her eyes, endured the pain, and cursed: "Bastard, you got off easy!"

After a moment, he opened his eyes and looked at the unfamiliar surroundings. It seemed he was going to have to stay here. If he didn't want to stay, there was only one way—to anger him and make him kick him out.

Lying on the bed, Xiao Xuan was lost in thought for a while. Then she sat up and started looking for her clothes when she heard two knocks on the door.

She said irritably, "Come in." Xiao Xuan saw the door being pushed open, and two maids walked in, carrying new clothes and a large plate.

"This servant greets Your Majesty the Imperial Concubine! These are new clothes sent by His Majesty's order," a servant said.

"This servant greets Your Majesty the Imperial Concubine! His Majesty has ordered craftsmen to make a necklace from Your Majesty's pearls and has specially instructed this servant to deliver it to Your Majesty." After another servant finished speaking, she lifted the red silk on the large plate, revealing a string of pearls wrapped in gold.

It was it! Xiao Xuan immediately recognized it as the pearl given to her by the stranger in the nunnery of Bianjing (Kaifeng), the capital of the Song Dynasty. Now, it was encased in gold leaf carvings, gleaming brilliantly. It was clear that the craftsman who made this necklace possessed exquisite skill; the pearl encased in gold had two movable clasps at both ends, allowing it to be worn as a necklace pendant or as an adornment on the fox-tail hats commonly worn by the Khitan people to signify their status.

Xiao Xuan smiled slightly, stretched out her smooth arm, and took the pearl necklace in her hand, revealing a smile. "You're back. You're finally back in my hands. Hehe, it seems we really are destined for each other."

"Help me with my hair and clothes," Xiaoxuan said.

Why not use it if it's free? With two maids serving me, it seems I can enjoy the bliss of being waited on hand and foot.

Two maids carefully helped Xiaoxuan put on her new clothes. Looking at the pearl necklace in her hand, Xiaoxuan didn't hesitate to put it on her chest. Yes, looking at it made her happy, and reminded her of that uncle and his beautiful sweetheart. This pearl necklace looked really pretty on her chest.

"Knock knock knock," someone knocked on the door again.

"Come in." Xiaoxuan said with a stern face, though no one knew who it was.

A eunuch entered, knelt down, and said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty! His Majesty has decreed that Your Majesty be promoted to Imperial Concubine. Imperial Concubine, these are gifts that His Majesty has sent to you."

"Congratulations, Your Highness! Congratulations, Your Highness!" The two maids who were helping Xiaoxuan change her clothes also knelt down and shouted in unison.

"Imperial Consort? Yesterday, when I was on the wedding procession, they called me Imperial Consort, but now they call me Imperial Consort. It seems I must have been promoted by that Yelü Xian. Yelü Xian, I don't care what you call me or what title you give me. I am who I am, and I do what I want. If you don't like me, just kick me out." Xiao Xuan thought to herself, but her hands were quick. She lifted the plate that the servant had brought over and saw that it was covered with jewels, gold, silver, jade and other ornaments and trinkets.

Looking around, Xiaoxuan secretly rejoiced. She'd come all this way, so why not take advantage of any opportunity? With that thought, she picked out a dozen or so gold bracelets and put them on her left and right wrists. Shaking her hands, she thought, "Hmm, it feels good. It's quite similar to those Indian girls in movies with their wrists covered in bracelets." She then chose a few more pieces of jewelry, putting them all on. Finally, she picked up a beautifully carved jade tiger and played with it, saying, "I'm going out for a walk."

"Your Highness, your father, Lord Xiao, sent your beloved horse over early this morning," the eunuch said.

"Achi?" Xiaoxuan was delighted to hear this. Achi has entered the palace too? Father, you are so kind to me, sending me everything I like and care about.

She glanced at the table where the jewelry was displayed and blushed. The comb that Old Man Xiao had given her was on that table; it must have fallen out when he was undressing her last night and that he had just casually placed it there.

Empress of Khitan - Empress Dowager of Khitan Chapter Thirty-Six: Confession

Updated: 2008-09-20 16:54:05 Word Count: 3696

Walking to the table, Xiao Xuan picked up the small comb, pondered for a moment, and gently inserted it into her hair, which the maid had just styled. Then she looked in the mirror. This way, she could carry Old Master Xiao's love for that princess with her. Xiao Chuo, you would be very happy with that, wouldn't you? Looking at her hair with the small comb in the mirror, Xiao Xuan felt a surge of quiet satisfaction.

"Consort Shu has arrived," the eunuch announced.

Xiao Xuan was momentarily dazed. She looked towards the door and saw a dignified and virtuous woman walk into her room.

"Consort Shu greets Your Highness, the Noble Consort." Consort Shu bowed her head in greeting.

"You're too kind!" Xiaoxuan didn't know how to talk to her, so she just said whatever came to mind.

Consort Shu looked up at Xiao Xuan, whose beauty was elegant, gentle, charming, and radiant. No wonder His Majesty liked her so much; he welcomed her into the palace yesterday and today he had made her a Noble Consort. Consort Shu felt a pang of sadness. She had been with him for some time, yet she was not as good as this girl who had just entered the palace. In just one night, she had risen above her. Was she the one who refused to marry His Majesty?

"The Imperial Concubine is indeed a beauty of unparalleled grace," Consort Shu said with a slight smile to Xiao Xuan.

Xiao Xuan was taken aback by these words, her face turning sullen. Consort Shu was startled, wondering what she had said wrong to upset her.

"Did Consort Shu say or do something wrong that angered the Noble Consort? This is truly Consort Shu's fault," Consort Shu quickly said tactfully.

Looking at Consort Shu, Xiao Xuan said, "You're not bad at all. I'm just not used to being praised. Please sit down."

Hearing Xiaoxuan's words, Consort Shu was even more at a loss. This girl had a very strange temper; she didn't like being praised. How was she supposed to get along with her in the future? The two sat in the room, neither knowing what to say, creating a very awkward atmosphere.

"You're his woman too, right?" Xiaoxuan pursed her lips and said, "I don't know how to tell you this, but just believe me I mean no harm. I can't get along with his other women, I can't pretend, I can't put on a smiling face. So I am me, and you are you. You lived your life as before I came, there's no need for you to come and see me."

"Why do you say that, sister?" Consort Shu frowned and said, "From today onwards, we are family. Why are you speaking so formally, sister?"

“I told you I meant no harm; I only said what I truly felt. If possible, I hope he can kick me out of the palace. I don’t like it here; this isn’t a place for me. I yearn for the life of ordinary people, a peaceful and prosperous life, where a family can live happily and carefree together. In my mind and heart, I can’t yet bring myself to serve the same man as another woman without any resentment or suspicion,” Xiao Xuan said.

Consort Shu, her face pale, slowly said, "Does my younger sister find her older sister superfluous?"

Looking at Consort Shu's dazed eyes, Xiao Xuan smiled bitterly and said, "I knew telling the truth would lead to misunderstandings. Anyway, I hope you understand that what I said and did wasn't directed at you. You've been married to him for a long time; you are his rightful wife. Logically, you have more right to uphold your dignity, but I came and disrupted your peace. I can only apologize to you. I want you to know that I didn't want to be here, I didn't want to interfere in your marriage. I'm just a decoration; whoever wants to put me here can put me wherever they want, I can't do anything about it. Now I'm standing in this palace too, but our feelings are different. You are calm; you are a virtuous and gentle wife who is obedient to everything. I am patient; I just want to live here quietly, one day at a time. If one day, God will have eyes and he can drive me out of here, then I will be content. So, you don't need to care about me. I don't know what kind of person this Consort is. Just continue living your life as before, just pretend I don't exist. That way, it's easier for both of us to get along."

After hearing Xiao Xuan's words, Consort Shu lowered her head and pondered for a moment before saying, "I am pregnant, but His Majesty does not know. I only found out these past two days."

Xiao Xuan was taken aback by her words, not understanding why she was saying this to her. After thinking for a moment, a faint smile appeared on her face, and she asked, "Really? Why don't you tell him?"

“He’s been busy these days, arranging everything for your trip to the palace and choosing gifts. I don’t want to disturb his peace of mind.”

"Fool!" Xiao Xuan stood up and said, "You're such a fool! Can't you tell who's more important? The child in your belly is a symbol of your love, your hope for the future. Such an important thing, and you keep it to yourself instead of telling him. You're so stupid." Pointing to Consort Shu's belly, Xiao Xuan said, "Whether it's a boy or a girl, he's a prince, the hope for the future of your Great Liao. He's very important and precious. You must take care of your health and protect him. That's the most important thing."

Letting out a breath, Xiao Xuan said to Consort Shu, "Women with children shouldn't always sit indoors resting. Go out for walks more often; it's good for both the child and you. Have these maids accompany you around. Excuse me, my little red horse has also entered the palace; I want to go see it." After saying this, Xiao Xuan nodded slightly to Consort Shu and left the room.

He intended to leave the room and walk away, but he saw Yelü Xian standing outside the door.

Is he here? Then he must have overheard his conversation with Consort Shu.

Little did Xiao Xuan know that Consort Shu had found Yelü Xian early that morning, asking him to introduce her to Xiao Chuo, the newly appointed Imperial Consort. Yelü Xian thought it made sense; they would meet sooner or later anyway, so it would be better for him to introduce them. He was busy figuring out how to introduce Consort Shu to Xiao Xuan, but Consort Shu couldn't wait and rushed into the room to introduce herself. When he reached the door, intending to go in, he overheard their conversation and stood outside, listening quietly. He heard every word she spoke clearly, and his heart, which had been warm just moments before, turned cold.

Yelü Xian looked at Xiao Xuan as she stepped across the threshold, his eyes unusually cold. Xiao Xuan hadn't expected this man to be standing right outside the door. Meeting his icy gaze, Xiao Xuan said, "Your woman is inside. She's pregnant." Then, she brushed past him, as if she didn't know him, and left on her own.

Yelü Xian did not call out to her. He listened as her footsteps receded into the distance until they disappeared.

"His Majesty."

He heard a voice calling his name, and Yelü Xian looked up to see his Consort Shu.

"Your Majesty, Consort Xiao is still young and may be a bit willful. We should wait a few days..."

"Consort Shu, you are pregnant. Don't wander around! I will have the imperial physician examine you and prescribe some medicine that will benefit your health." Yelü Xian said this and turned to leave, leaving Consort Shu alone. Watching his receding figure, Consort Shu felt a chill in her heart. Your Majesty, the child in my womb is your own flesh and blood! Why is he only worthy of the imperial physician's care and concern? Why do you speak so coldly? Is it because of Consort Xiao's rudeness that you are so unhappy, even hearing the news of your impending fatherhood makes you so melancholy? Alas, perhaps I shouldn't have come here this morning at all.

Yelü Xian's mind was in turmoil. He'd barely woken up that morning when she'd been so cold to him. He didn't blame her; on the contrary, he felt guilty for the pain he'd caused her the previous night, which was why he'd bestowed upon her the title of Imperial Concubine so early in the morning. But she was ungrateful! Not only ungrateful, but she even hoped he'd drive her away? "Xiao Chuo," he thought, "rest assured, for the rest of my life, unless I, Yelü Xian, die, you will never leave me."

Having made up their minds, the two people in the palace began their maneuvering.

During the day, they went about their own business, ignoring each other. But at night, she couldn't escape his embrace, for he was her rightful husband. He no longer spoke a word to her, giving her any opportunity to hurt herself with words. Before each nightfall, she would get herself drunk, avoiding the man who appeared in her room. Between them, a small, undercurrent was quietly surging.

At this moment, a raging storm erupted in Nanjing.

At the Han residence, guards surrounded Han Derang, who stood facing them with his long halberd in hand. Before him lay more than a dozen guards, all bearing bruises.

Han Kuangsi and Li Ruoyun, Han Derang's wife, who rushed to the scene upon hearing the news, were both taken aback by what they saw.

"Derang, what do you want to do?" Han Kuangsi shouted.

Han Derang said coldly, "Tell them to move aside! I'm going to the capital!"

"Going to the capital! What are you going to the capital for?" Han Kuangsi asked.

"Find Yan Yan! I need to take her with me!"

"Are you crazy?" Han Kuangsi pointed at Han Derang and shouted, "That woman is now a concubine, do you know that? What kind of dream are you still having? Do you think she would give up being a concubine to be with a penniless man like you? Don't forget, you are a married man now. Do you think a woman from the Xiao family would give up being a concubine to be your concubine? Wake up!"

Good news doesn't travel far, but bad news travels fast. The news that the third young lady of the Xiao family refused her marriage proposal in front of the emperor and insisted on coming to Nanjing to find her childhood betrothed spread throughout the entire court. Some said that the third young lady was crazy, while others said that she was righteous. When the news reached Han Derang's ears, it saddened him.

Yan Yan, I'm sorry, I'm going to the capital right now, I'll come and get you, I'll take you away!

With tears welling in his eyes, Han Derang shouted, "I don't care, get out of my way! Anyone who dares to block my way, I'll kill them first!"

Empress of Khitan - Empress Dowager of Khitan Chapter Thirty-Seven: Urgent Situation

Updated: 2008-09-20 16:54:05 Word Count: 3573

Upon hearing this, Han Kuangsi walked up to the guards and looked at Han Derang, saying, "Fine, you want to go to the capital, right? Fine! If you want to go, then kill me first! You're going to cause trouble anyway, and sooner or later you'll implicate this whole family. You might as well kill me and then wipe out the whole family, so that they won't be implicated and suffer any calamity because of you."

Han Derang looked at Han Kuangsi, large tears rolling down his cheeks: "Father, you know, you know perfectly well that I only love Yanyan, I only want Yanyan, please let me go! Can't you just grant me this wish?"