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“Oh, right, sister,” she suddenly smiled mischievously, “Yesterday, at the Emperor’s banquet in the Imperial Garden, our Consort Wang accidentally farted in front of him, and it was really loud and smelly! You have no idea how angry the Emperor’s face was; it turned blue. And all the other concubines present, although they tried their best to hold back, couldn’t help but laugh out loud. The scene was noisy and hilarious, and Consort Wang’s face was so red it was almost bleeding.” Seeing my faint smile, she continued, “Sister, you weren’t there; you have no idea how much of a pity you were.”

I looked at her helplessly. "You're being mischievous again." Sigh, it's all my fault for teaching her too many tricks when she was little; she's still playing childish games now. However, I knew she was standing up for me. Last week, hearing I was seriously ill again, that Wang Dieyi actually brought a whole bunch of people to Jiu Nian Xuan to laugh at me. But as long as she didn't do anything particularly outrageous, I could absolutely tolerate that childish swagger. Those sharp, sarcastic words no longer bothered me.

Having grown accustomed to the insults from Fifth Sister and her younger brother at the Xie residence, they simply assumed that another Fifth Sister had joined them here, a stepmother-type figure...

Hearing what I said, Yu Ya, who had been laughing, suddenly became serious and said, "You can bully me, but no one can bully my sister."

I was somewhat touched, but I still calmly replied, "Sister doesn't mind. Besides, I never take verbal bullying seriously."

She reverted to her girlish mischief, teasing me, "That's right, those are the tricks my sister taught me back then. My sister hasn't used them at all here. Ya Ya knows, my sister doesn't care at all."

I paused for a moment, then thought, "I don't care. Yes, I don't care." Then I recalled the various techniques I used to teach Yu Ya to act—it was practically a practical version of the Thirty-Six Stratagems for women's struggles. Looking at Yu Ya as she grew healthily into a young girl, and then into a woman, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief.

"Ya Ya, don't stand up for your sister anymore. It's not worth it for you to do that."

"My sister will never know how important she is to Ya Ya..." she murmured wistfully.

"What did you say?" She spoke too softly, and I didn't hear her at first.

"It's nothing, it's nothing." She regained her composure, as if what I had just seen was just an illusion.

She nestled her head affectionately against my knees, like a girl with her mother, and whispered, "If I tell Ya Ya not to stand up for you, then I promise Ya Ya to take good care of herself."

I nodded, not caring whether she could see me or not. I gently brushed aside the long hair that had fallen across her forehead and said softly, "Of course. Ya Ya shouldn't push herself too hard."

The starry sky is adorned with countless stars, and night descends upon the "Miwu" (a type of dwelling).

Suddenly, a ghostly white figure appeared atop the high wall, and like a phantom, it swept over the wall in an instant and arrived at the only window in the house that still had a faint light.

"Come in." A muffled voice came from inside the room. Li Jiu's voice was as deep as ever, giving the impression that he was always ill.

"How did you know it was me?" I asked, annoyed, as I climbed in through the window to reveal myself.

He pouted, "Besides you, who else has the habit of climbing walls late at night?"

I am speechless.

I sat down in front of him without any ceremony. He's still awake so late. Did he know I was coming to see him?

As if reading my thoughts, he took a sip of tea and said calmly, "I was waiting for you. However, I am not a fortune teller, so naturally I did not know you would come today."

I was surprised. "So you've been waiting this late every single day for the past month?"

Seeing him nod calmly, I was speechless again. This kid, staying up late every night, he really has energy! When did my night owl habit infect him? And it's so serious!

I know I lost my composure in front of the emperor that day, and he must be very curious. Moreover, I chose to come late at night, naturally fearing another chance encounter; I couldn't bear that. If I were to die from vomiting blood, it would be the end of a beautiful woman—

I still feel lingering fear about the incident where I fell off the wall not long ago.

I took the tea he poured for me, took a big gulp without any politeness, and then said, "You didn't tell the emperor who I am, did you?"

He shook his head. I had told him many times not to mention my name to anyone, just to say I was an ordinary palace maid. My intention in doing so was, of course, to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Seeing his relaxed and leisurely manner, waiting for me to continue, I couldn't help but laugh. I'm not some mysterious person, why bother with this?

"I told you my name is Xie Weiying. Have you heard of the fourth young lady of the Xie family among the newly selected ladies-in-waiting? She suffers from a terrible illness, has been bedridden for years, and never leaves her room. She was given the title of 'beauty' and sent to a secluded villa." No wonder he felt a sense of familiarity when he first heard her say her name was Xie Weiying, but he just couldn't connect this unsightly woman with that sickly fourth young lady.

Seeing his slightly surprised and somewhat stunned expression, I couldn't help but smile smugly, "That's right, I am the unfavored fourth young lady of the Xie family, a woman abandoned by the emperor."

“Speaking of which,” I said with a wicked smile, “we’re really alike. One of us is a discarded concubine whom the emperor didn’t fancy, and the other is an arrogant and talented scholar who is ridiculed by the world. We’re really destined for each other.” I ignored his gradually paling face.

After a long while, he finally came to his senses and gave a self-deprecating laugh, "I thought, I thought—" I thought you were just a special palace maid, a clever and witty woman, and that we could remain confidants forever.

I couldn't hear clearly, so I curiously leaned closer, widened my eyes, and asked, "What did you think?"

"No, it's nothing." He waved his hand awkwardly, his gaze darting away from my close-up face, his cheeks flushing red.

It's so much fun! I've met so many innocent guys who blush when I come here.

I cut to the chase: "I don't want to be a true imperial woman. I don't want to get involved in the power struggles of the harem. In short, I have no interest in vying for favor; I just want to live out the rest of my life here peacefully. That's my thought." I knew he wasn't just curious about my outburst, but also wanted to know if I had some ulterior motive, a scheme to get close to him. I understood his protectiveness; Brother Sima was indeed someone for whom others would do anything. Although some historical records portrayed him as a useless emperor who only got to where he was today by relying on the power of the royal family, I knew that wasn't true. He wasn't the person everyone saw him to be.

When I entered the palace, my elders described the emperor to me as someone obsessed with women, timid, and rarely making decisions on his own, always following the advice of his ministers. He was incapable of any real action. I almost believed it to be true. Because of the damned history books, I never had any feelings about this Eastern Jin emperor. However, the Sima Langya I was with was completely different from what anyone else had described. I believed that my brother Sima wasn't someone who knew nothing. I knew that his noble, aloof, and naturally dignified demeanor was the real him.

I chatted with Li Jiu for a long time, but I felt tired and couldn't bear to look at his unusually dark circles under his eyes after waiting for me. So, after agreeing to continue our long talk when the emperor wouldn't appear, I left.

All the way there, I kept thinking about what he said when I left: "Wei Ying, I have never met a woman as special as you."

It was nearly dawn when I returned from the Mi House. Back in my room, just as I was about to undress and go to bed, a short arrow suddenly whistled through the window, piercing my ear and embedding itself in the screen. I casually walked over and retrieved it, muttering to myself, "That damned eunuch always manages to terrify me. I'm really worried that one day he might accidentally lose his ear too."

Until one night, the old eunuch Gao Lu suddenly appeared in my room, scaring me so much that I almost screamed for help. It wasn't until I read the letter he brought to my patriarch that I realized that more than a decade ago, he had been a pawn in the family's journey from Chang'an to the palace, and they had supported him all the way up to the position of Grand Steward of the Imperial Household Department, making him a favorite of the emperor and gaining his trust.

I recognize the patriarch's handwriting. When I entered the palace, he told me someone would contact me, but I never expected it to be him—the famous Grand Eunuch, the object of so many women's sycophancy in the harem. I never imagined he was one of the patriarch's men, and absolutely devoted to him. I wonder what favors the patriarch bestowed upon him. The patriarch's letter also stated that Grand Eunuch Gao was someone who could be absolutely trusted.

I suddenly remembered the strange look on his face when I pretended to be sick before the election. He's so cunning; with my clumsy acting, he must have seen through my act back then. But I still pretended to be so calm and collected, just like it was real.

I asked him about this later. He just bowed his head respectfully and said, "My master told me before the young master entered the palace that I should cooperate with all of the young master's actions and obey his orders. So that day, I pretended not to know anything."

I sneered, "You know perfectly well that the old man sent me into the palace to gain favor and help my aunt become empress. You know perfectly well that I did those things to avoid being favored. Even so, you still wouldn't stop me?"

His expression remained unchanged, and he still respectfully said, "Master said, whatever the young master says, this old servant will do. The young master naturally has his own plans." What a cunning old fox, I thought bitterly.

From then on, every month this old eunuch would suddenly deliver a letter when I was completely unprepared, probably mixed in with a small reward he was giving me. I guess Gao Lu used his position to secretly give it to me. Sometimes, like tonight, he would suddenly appear in my room.

I opened the letter. The patriarch's few words were merely a casual reminder that my illness was almost cured and it was time to take action. He cautioned me not to forget my mission to enter the palace and the agreement I made with him beforehand. Hmph, I knew he was warning me against being presumptuous! Having such a high-ranking official's servant by my side wasn't bad, but everything has its advantages and disadvantages. His respect for me stemmed from the patriarch, but he was also a pawn planted by the patriarch to monitor me. The patriarch must have learned of my lack of ambition and idleness from him.

I burned the letter, gave a cold laugh. Trying to spy on me? Hmph! No one can stop me from doing what I'm about to do, let alone the threat I hate most!

Is this a competition for favor?! Looks like I'll have to pay a visit to my aunt, who hasn't appeared since I fell out of favor. The woman who, according to legend, gained favor because of her sister.

Volume 2, Chapter 38: If We Cherish Each Other

If we cherish each other, I will choose to leave. This is the best test and destiny that Heaven has given us...

After lunch, having spent the whole day in this courtyard, my body ached. The old man, since showing himself to save me last time, left another note saying he had important business to attend to. I knew it was about the martial arts world and the One Pearl again, and yet another mysterious secret sect had appeared. As a leading figure in the martial arts world, he had to shoulder this responsibility. But I didn't want it to end this way.

Old man, what will we do if one day we become enemies?!

I was just idly daydreaming, and after sighing for a while, I suddenly stood up! I greeted Yunying, who was still busy with preparations, and said I was going out for a walk.

Yunying told me there's a beautiful pear grove not far from my courtyard. It's a remote place, rarely visited, perfect for an after-dinner stroll. I certainly don't want any busybody to see the supposedly seriously ill Xie Meiren wandering around so energetically.

All I want now is to spend the rest of my life here in peace. Ideally, I'd never see him again. Hmph, he's enjoying himself among countless beautiful concubines these days; he wouldn't even remember you, An Jin! Besides, you're not even An Jin anymore; you're just a discarded beauty!

Forget it, forget about those worries. We should be happy in this beautiful flower-filled forest. Don't miss the scenery before us.

Feeling down due to matters of the court, Sima Rui, as usual, went to the secluded pear blossom grove at the foot of the palace to clear his mind, accompanied only by Chief Eunuch Gao. Unexpectedly, he heard a woman's sweet laughter from afar. Following the sound, he saw white petals fluttering in the breeze, a scene so beautiful it was almost unbelievable. A woman in white was twirling and dancing among the petals, her face adorned with a smile as bright as the weather, her voice as melodious and captivating as silver bells.

"Who are you?"

The abrupt question shattered the surrounding tranquility. Everything seemed to come to a standstill.

I stopped dancing, turned around, and saw that familiar face. My immediate reaction was to blurt out: Brother Sima!

But, but it won't work—

Brother Sima is now the emperor! The current emperor!

Brother Sima, in this situation, how should I face you? Should I tell you that your brother is one of your many concubines? How can I tell you in a way that preserves my last shred of dignity?

"How dare you!" The old eunuch's shrill shout finally brought me back to my senses. "You dare not kneel before the Emperor!"

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, this servant was unaware of Your Majesty's arrival. Please forgive me."

I looked down, but not before glancing at the enigmatic Chief Steward Gao Lu. Could it be—a thought began to creep into my mind. I wanted to stop it, but it weaved together on its own, forming a perfect clue. However, I was unwilling and dared not speculate further; I feared the feeling of being deceived and betrayed would overwhelm me.

Today's encounter must have been intentional. It should be said that it was all arranged by the Grand Steward.

While I was still in a daze, Sima Rui appeared before me, his gaze unfocused. He lifted my face with his hand and involuntarily called out, "Xiao Jin." What?! He called me Xiao Jin! I knew that although I had always disguised myself, some features, especially my expression, couldn't be hidden. But I couldn't let him know that I was An Jin, his sworn brother An Jin. If he knew I had deceived him, I didn't know what the consequences would be, and I couldn't bear the thought. Besides, now that I was his concubine, everything was set in stone. What could I possibly change? What was I even dreaming of…?

My heart ached, but my resolve calmed me down. I clenched my fists so tightly that my nails almost dug into my palms, but I still forced myself to remain calm. I pretended to be a pitiful, tearful girl and said in a trembling voice, "Your Majesty, this servant's name is Xie Weiying."

Xie Weiying?! After a long while, Sima Rui came to his senses and looked at the girl kneeling on the ground, trembling with fear. She wasn't Xiao Jin. She wasn't Xiao Jin! In his eyes, there was no dazzling brilliance of fearlessness, no unwavering gaze like his, no indifferent, disdainful smile... Moreover, Xiao Jin was a man, his sworn brother.

Enough, enough, enough. To meet a woman who looks like him is already a great blessing in the world; how can I force it?

After thinking for a moment, she said gently, "So it's you. I heard you weren't feeling well the other day, are you feeling better now?"

Still in the nascent stage of creation, I reflexively replied, "Much better."

"Then you shall prepare to serve me in bed tonight,"

"Ah—what?" Forgetting my manners, I looked up at him abruptly, trying to see a hint of a joke in his eyes, but he was serious. He was the emperor, and the emperor's word was law.

Seeing my astonished reaction, Sima Rui couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing. Although I knew I shouldn't say anything at this moment, I had no choice but to bite the bullet and stammer, "Your Majesty, is it possible to rescind your order?" I didn't want to let go of even the slightest possibility.

His face darkened, and he said coldly, "I never take back what I've said. Prepare to serve me tonight."

Returning to Jiu Nian Xuan with my mind in complete disarray, I felt like the sky was about to fall.

What should I do? What should I do? Although he's Sima Rui's brother, he's only 16 years old! In modern times, he'd be just an ordinary high school student. How could he possibly do *that*? Besides, he's always just been Sima Rui's brother. What should I do now? Should I use being unwell as an excuse again? But he just saw me playing around; that excuse would be too clumsy. Lying to the Emperor is deceiving the Emperor, a capital offense.

Looking at the group of eunuchs and palace maids who had suddenly appeared around me, bustling about, even Yunying and Xiao Quanzi seemed overjoyed that their mistress was about to be favored, I glanced at Yunying, who seemed normal as always, and a thoughtful look flashed in my eyes. Who could understand my feelings?

Forget it. Since you've entered the palace, you should be prepared for this day to come. Just close your eyes and let it pass.

But Brother Sima is my brother, how can I do that?

Ugh, this is so annoying!

No matter how unwilling I was, night still came. Even if I had the greatest courage in the world, I wouldn't dare disobey the imperial decree.

After several nannies had thoroughly and brutally castrated me from head to toe, they surrounded me, saying they had something to tell me. After listening for a while, I finally realized this was a perverse form of early sex education, and they were even teaching me how to please the Emperor! I fled like a coward. Since things had come to this point, I had no other choice. Having made up my mind, I stood blankly by the mirror and gently applied the crimson rouge I always carried with me to my slightly pale lips. My face appeared alluring and beautiful in its reflection, but it couldn't hide the deep pain in my eyes.

Taking a few deep breaths, I put on a thin bathrobe and walked into the emperor's bedroom at a snail's pace.

All the way, I told myself a thousand times: he was the emperor, high above all others, not Sima Langya, the buddy I drank with, swore brotherhood with, played with, and frequented brothels with… But the thought of interacting with him in this way still caused me unbearable pain. Now, I would rather never see him again than suffer like this a hundred times more.

"Your Majesty, let me help you change your clothes."

He stepped forward, keeping his head bowed, and served Sima Rui until he was stripped down to only a thin undergarment.

With trembling hands, she took off her only bathrobe, revealing her beautiful, fair body.

Sima Rui looked at my face, slightly flushed from my recent bath, which appeared even more charming and alluring in the candlelight. My trembling body was also incredibly seductive... Sima Rui stepped forward, embraced me tightly, and felt my body stiffen. He then whispered in my ear, "Are you nervous?"

I closed my eyes slightly and took a deep breath. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Sima Rui whispered again, "Don't be afraid, I'm here." He swept my thin body up in his arms and gently placed me on the bed. He looked down at me and I screamed in fright, but I didn't dare to struggle. I could only close my eyes and not dare to look at his smooth and strong chest.

Sima Rui chuckled, lowered his head and kissed my soft, rosy lips, sucking and lingering as if they were his own precious treasure. His large hands roamed and caressed my naked body. I was experiencing love for the first time and my reaction was awkward, but this only aroused Sima Rui's interest.

In my hazy state, I only heard him calling out softly again and again, "Xiao Jin, Xiao Jin..." My heart ached, and I could only hold him tightly, trying to find a sliver of warmth from his body temperature.

I bit my fingertip only when his groans gradually faded and he fell into a deep sleep, then nestled peacefully into his warm embrace and drifted off to sleep.

When I woke up the next day, he was no longer beside me.

He groggily got up, and it took him a while to process what had happened last night. He pulled back the quilt and saw that his neck, chest, and abdomen were covered in purplish-red marks. He must have done this last night—it was obvious—but still…