Mu Yuchengs Abkommen

Kapitel 46

Sima Rui then turned his gaze to examine the small room.

The light I saw when I entered was indeed not candlelight. It was from luminous pearls embedded in the walls beneath layers of gauze curtains. At that moment, the pearls shimmered in the deep night, their soft, elegant glow not particularly glaring, but rather a tranquil, pale fluorescent light, filtering through the gauze curtains and filling the entire room.

It looked like thousands of fireflies dancing in the air. The swirling mist was exceptionally enchanting.

In the whole room, what stands out is the wooden table with wisteria and sandalwood carvings in front of the window. The table is covered with special patterns and texts, and the tabletop is large and smooth. It seems familiar to him in the Imperial Study, yet it is also very different.

At this moment, a calligraphy template and a piece of white paper were neatly arranged on the table. A few words were written on the white paper, presumably because the person had gotten sleepy while copying the template and had gone to bed.

Sima Rui stepped forward curiously, picked it up and saw that it was Wang Xizhi's "Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion".

A peculiar little notebook in an inconspicuous corner of the table caught Sima Rui's attention.

Curiosity compelled him to reach for the book and open it. Just as he was about to open it, the woman, who had been breathing softly and sleeping peacefully, suddenly made a slight sound. Sima Rui was startled, his hand trembling, and he almost dropped the book. He looked at the person on the bed; she was sleeping soundly.

Sima Rui, as the emperor, had never encountered such an embarrassing situation. Everyone and everything in the palace belonged to him, so when had he ever felt so guilty?

Sima Rui's gaze sharpened, and he slowly turned the pages. It was a notebook of miscellaneous notes, seemingly a newly acquired one, hence the mere few pages filled with entries. The notebook did not contain daily entries, nor were the records meticulously written; the skillful handwriting, the ebb and flow of emotions, and the entries themselves were all unique.

Some of the handwriting is neat, some is messy, some is unrestrained, and some seems to have been accidentally rubbed by a hand. But overall, it is elegant and refined, like flowing clouds and water. It is not as orthodox as what we usually see, but it has its own charm.

There are some reflections on life, some records of trivial matters, some encounters at certain moments, some insights from reading, and some short poems I wrote (although the format is strange). There are also many longings for certain things.

"Today, they are unjustly punished, and even worse, trampled to the ground, forced to kneel before them with their upright legs. They lower their heads and sneer, their expressions even more humble. These women, who survived by relying on the power of others and the influence of others, not only do not feel sorrow, but even feel joy. They lose themselves for a day's favor, they fight to the death for a single glance from that person. How tragic, how pitiful!"

Volume 3, Chapter 88: Recognizing Jin Yu

"The nearby palaces were filled with singing and dancing, a joyous occasion, and endless music. It was the birthday of that man's new concubine. The ladies of the palace, along with civil and military officials, vied to deliver lavish gifts discreetly to so-and-so's name, all because of that man's slight increase in favor compared to the other concubines. I don't know whether to call it tragic or pitiful. All women can only depend on men, just as vines can only survive by clinging to a tree. Why must women live so humbly and without dignity? Moreover, in this world, it's easy to add flowers to brocade, but few offer charcoal in the snow. That's reality. I live in seclusion in a humble little courtyard, drinking and making merry with Xiao Quanzi and Yunying, finding my own kind of pleasure."

"I smiled as I swallowed the poison that person had personally fed me, thinking I was surely going to die. But fate had other plans, or perhaps it didn't want me to leave, didn't want me to go home. So, I met an old friend who saved me. For this unexpected rebirth, I gave him a big gift, feeling a little thrill in my heart. My mind became more peaceful, open-minded, and cheerful. Life is simple yet flavorful, and profound yet unpretentious. I live each day carefree and happy! I survive in the cracks without being discouraged, entertain myself in solitude without being depressed, and remain independent amidst deceit and treachery. In this great melting pot, I maintain my most independent self."

Then the rest are just some hasty daily notes. Painting, singing, sewing, leisurely days spent basking in the sunlight, gazing at the stars at night, calmly smiling when mocked, and standing tall even when subjected to humiliation…

What a woman she is! Strong, indifferent, forbearing, calm, stubborn, open-minded, and even kind. She always maintains a forgiving heart when dealing with those who bully her. How rare!

Even though he had taken advantage of her, hurt her, risked her life to prove certain things, and later misunderstood her, she still faced life with a smile, faced her world with a smile, and still pretended to be humble and timid. In fact, that was true humility and composure.

"A banquet. Celebrating that person having a new child. I arrived late, trying to be invisible, to make everyone ignore my presence. But the protagonist of the night still wanted me to put on a show to make the banquet for her even more spectacular, so I had no choice but to comply. In fact, I did a lot of incredible things, but I can't deny that I had a lot of fun that night. Except for the endless night. I suppose I had a bad dream, and its purpose was just to help me grow, or to make me realize some facts."

That person? Does she mean him? He could tell there was no jealousy or resentment in her tone.

He had a bad dream. Was this her understanding of such cruelty? He admired her composure. Although, it made him even more ashamed.

"Before I was fully awake from my dream, I was shocked to hear that I had been banished to the Frost Palace. I was slightly taken aback, but I quickly calmed down. How delightful it would be to leave this woman's battlefield! A smile unconsciously crept onto my lips as I happily packed my bags and headed there. It was just another change of residence." How carefree!

Then she wrote about her life at Luoshuang Palace: "After arriving here, I couldn't help but feel excited. It truly is a magnificent palace, more spacious than my Jiunian Pavilion, and even my residence in the Xie Mansion." This made Sima Rui feel a pang of sadness. Was she always so open-minded in any difficult situation?

Forgive the unhappiness of this world, forgive those who have hurt her.

She not only took excellent care of herself, but also those around her, even the concubines in the cold palace who were complete strangers to her. What kind of woman was she, really?

Sima Rui became more and more shocked as he read on.

Turning to the back, the most recent entry reads: "After returning, I was restless and suffered from insomnia. Sometimes I would sit on the rooftop looking at the entire imperial city, brightly lit, magnificent and imposing, which made me feel even more insignificant. Not just me, but everyone in this world, whether you are an emperor or the lowest of slaves, is just a tiny part of this world. It is these insignificant humans who make up the world we live in now. No matter what we are now or what we are doing, we will eventually be swallowed up by the long river of history. Perhaps we will leave a mark in history, or perhaps no one in this world will ever know of our existence. I looked at the vast blue universe, a huge curtain concealing all the truth, with stardust scattered within, beautiful as a dream. I couldn't help but ask, in this world, where is my home? Where will I find happiness?"

In the end, it seemed that because of the long period of not writing and thinking, specks of black ink fell onto the snow-white paper.

The scattered stars mirrored Sima Rui's complex emotions at that moment. A tangled mess of feelings, impossible to unravel, left him breathless. He gazed with a complicated expression at the person on the bed, breathing evenly, her face calm, soundly asleep, wondering if she had found answers in her dreams.

He patted his chest, which felt heavy. His brows furrowed, and he seemed to be having trouble breathing.

At this moment, the person in the dream, seeing something, suddenly frowned slightly, pouted her pink lips, and murmured something uneasily. Without thinking, Sima Rui went over, gently soothing her furrowed brow. Finally, he quietly looked at her for a long while, smiled slightly, and placed a warm kiss on her forehead. The person on the bed gradually relaxed her brow, as if sensing something blissful, her lips slightly upturned, and she peacefully drifted back to sleep.

Sima Rui sat silently by the bedside, watching her for a long time. He gently smoothed her slightly disheveled hair, stroked the soft, white skin on her cheek, and sighed softly. Then he stayed with her until she fell asleep.

I had just woken up and was still groggy, my vision blurry. I walked out of my room in my pajamas, rubbing my eyes.

"You're awake." As soon as I stepped outside, I saw Suda watering the garden. She saw me and gave me a faint smile.

"How long have I been asleep?" I mumbled, only realizing as soon as I opened my mouth that my voice was hoarse and sounded old.

Suda held up two fingers and waved them at me. I was a little dizzy.

I rubbed my eyes hard and stared at them.

"Two days? No way! I slept for so long." No wonder my stomach felt so empty when I woke up. I even had the urge to stuff something in my stomach.

She looked at me with some concern: "Yes, you're too tired."

"Oh, really?" I rubbed my head, which felt heavy from sleeping for so long.

As soon as Xiao Quanzi came out from around the corner, she jumped over to me excitedly: "Master, you're awake!" Then, suddenly remembering something, she said while calling out, "Sister Yunying said that you should tell her as soon as you wake up. She has been preparing food for you for a long time. I'll go tell her. Master must be starving."

"Ugh..." The word was still stuck in his throat when he disappeared. He staggered to the bathroom, fetched water to wash his face and rinse his mouth, tidying himself up. After changing his clothes in the room, he drank a few sips of cold water from the table to moisten his throat.

I walked to the front hall. Several ladies were sunbathing on benches in the garden. When they saw me, they smiled foolishly at me. Seeing this harmonious scene, I couldn't help but smile slightly in return.

This garden is a modern park garden that I renovated. There are many benches, stone tables and the like in the garden. It's a place where they can rest when they're tired, and where they can think undisturbed among the flowers, even though they don't even know who they are anymore.

I walked into the lobby. Yunying was already there, and she came over eagerly as soon as she saw me come in.

She complained, "Miss, why don't I just move here? Look how haggard you look without me taking care of you."

I smiled gently and said, "That won't do. You have many things to do outside, but you also have to deliver things to Luoshuang Palace for me. You deserve a lot of credit for making this place look beautiful."

Yunying rolled her eyes at me silently and pulled me to sit down at the table.

I was a little dumbfounded when I saw the table full of dishes. How could I possibly eat so much by myself?

"I know you just woke up and don't have an appetite for greasy food, so I specially made these light dishes. I hope they suit your taste." Yunying's eyes were filled with anticipation.

"Wow, Yunying, you're amazing!" I gestured for them to sit down. "Let's eat together. How could I possibly eat all this by myself?"

"We're not hungry, eat slowly." Seeing me wolfing down my food, the others covered their mouths and laughed.

"By the way," I swallowed a mouthful of food and said, "Where's Qingci? I should settle the score with him. How dare he drug me! He's got some nerve!" I said this with some anger, even though I knew he meant well.

"Imperial Physician Chen? He's in the Imperial Hospital. He's just doing this for your own good, worried that your body won't be able to handle not sleeping for a long time," Yunying said truthfully.

I hummed in a muffled voice.

"Did nothing happen while I was sleeping these past two days?" I asked casually.

"It's nothing," Yunying said calmly. "After you fell into a deep sleep, Su Da chased us all away and forbade us from getting even half a step closer to your room. We couldn't make a sound, so as not to disturb you. You don't know, when you were asleep, Luoshuang Palace was like a dead city, so quiet you could hear a pin drop." Yunying joked.

"Oh, really?" But why do I feel like someone's been here before? How strange. Never mind, I'd better hurry up and finish off these delicious dishes!

Volume 3, Chapter 89: Tears of Longing

Flower viewing banquet. Yilai Palace.

Consort Wang continued her extravagant style, arranging a flower-viewing banquet where hundreds of flowers bloomed in dazzling splendor, vying for attention. A grand song and dance performance was also prepared. However, what was even more captivating were the beauties attending the banquet, each displaying their utmost charm, all because the Emperor was to be present. This also demonstrated Consort Wang's status; the Emperor was attending her banquet. This fueled the ambitions of the many concubines present, who all hoped to gain the Emperor's attention and favor.

An intertwined butterfly agate headdress, a trembling blue butterfly on the head, a dragonfly landing on a jade hairpin in the red walls and yellow tiles of the palace, a sense of loneliness. Gilded and kingfisher-feathered flower basket earrings, a gold bracelet inlaid with red gemstones, the Imperial Concubine Wang in a purple fishtail gown, the collar adorned with milky white pearls—this year's new Junjin design—her makeup vibrant and delicate, every smile and gesture exuding nobility.

With a melodious voice and graceful figure, Consort Wang smiled and sat down next to the main seat. The other consorts had already arrived, and although they couldn't match Consort Wang's pomp, they had still made a grand entrance. Every year, they would seize such an opportunity, hoping to gain the Emperor's favor. Consort Huanxian never attended such occasions. Although Consort Li had arrived, she remained serene and composed, dressed in an elegant blue dress, sitting quietly one seat below the main seat. Despite her son being the Crown Prince, she did not flaunt her status. Instead, she concealed all her brilliance, living a secluded life to avoid attracting attention. When people spoke of this timid and weak Consort Li, they thought of the court official, the Left Chancellor, who had served Sima Shi faithfully. His daughter was also gentle, polite, kind, and righteous, and did not participate in any palace intrigues. Everyone said that this was due to the influence of her father.

The concubines were noisy and laughing, mostly showering their mistress with sweet words, trying to get close to her and attract the emperor's attention. Consort Wang, enveloped in the crowd, remained as arrogant and domineering as ever, listening with pleasure to the flattery.

Upon hearing the announcement, "The Emperor has arrived," the entire hall fell silent, and everyone rose to their knees in quiet reverence.

A man dressed in a golden robe, with a turquoise dragon-shaped jade pendant tied to his waist with a gold-embroidered brocade belt, his long black hair swept high and tied with a jade hairpin, his sword-like eyebrows flying between his forehead, his handsome face and noble temperament slowly walked to the main seat. His aura was so natural that it gave those around him a feeling of deep respect.

Sima Rui walked to his seat, turned around, and said calmly to the crowd, "My beloved concubines, please rise."

The concubines all exchanged flirtatious glances with their eyes, but Sima Rui remained indifferent and didn't pay much attention for long. Instead, he noticed the quiet Consort Li and asked indifferently, "Consort Li, how is Shao'er's studies going lately?"

Consort Shu bowed her head respectfully and said, "Shao'er studies hard and practices martial arts diligently every day, and will certainly not disappoint His Majesty."

A seductive smile played at the corners of his lips: "Yes, it's been hard work teaching Shao'er."

Consort Shu's lips curled into a faint bitter smile: "It is my honor."

“Your Majesty,” Consort Wang, feeling neglected, approached him and said coquettishly, “I held this banquet for Your Majesty’s sake, yet Your Majesty didn’t even glance at me.”

"Oh, how so?" Sima Rui turned his head to look at her, his gaze appraising her. Seeing him scrutinizing her, Consort Wang couldn't help but adopt a more alluring posture, making herself appear even more charming and sexy. She perfectly showcased her flawless, proud figure and meticulous attire. Sima Rui's eyes held a smile, and Consort Wang gave him a shy glance, believing that all her preparations had finally attracted his attention.

But Sima Rui looked at the garden full of colorful and vibrant flowers, and at the group of shy concubines. They admired her, loved her, perhaps loved her status and her power, but whatever the reason, they would follow her wholeheartedly. Yet, for some reason, he suddenly remembered that elegant face, that slender figure. She was like a plum blossom, standing proudly at all times; she was even more like a lotus, seemingly rising from the mud unsullied, pure and clear. If she were here, she would surely be dressed in her most casual clothes, sitting in an inconspicuous corner. She would not change herself to please anyone. Even if she lived a humble life, even if she lived in the shadows, even if she was unnoticed by anyone.

Sima Rui couldn't help but smile slightly. This was her. How could he have never noticed her before? He hadn't noticed her beauty, her composure, her aloof heart. He suddenly felt grateful that he had seen that notebook. He had seen the real her.

She deeply attracted him; she reminded him of someone, someone he loved deeply.

Thinking back, they really do look alike.

"Your Majesty—" A sweet voice interrupted Sima Rui's thoughts.

He snapped out of his reverie and asked gently, "What's wrong, my beloved concubine?"

"Were you listening to what I was saying just now?" Her voice held a hint of grievance. Consort Wang's pink lips pouted slightly.

Sima Rui reached out and put his arm around her slender waist: "What's wrong? Are you feeling wronged?"

"How dare I," she said in a coquettish tone, "Your Majesty, please enjoy the flowers while watching the song and dance I have prepared for you."

Sima Rui maintained his gentle expression, tapped her nose, and said softly, "Today, my beloved consort is the master, and I will follow her every command."

Consort Wang smiled with delight and turned to say in the manner of a mistress of the house, "Someone, prepare a song and dance."

The same dancers, the same dance moves, the same banquet. Sima Rui smiled, but inwardly he was already impatient. However, from a young age, he had learned to remain calm in such situations.

Seemingly sensing his impatience, Consort Wang dismissed the dancers, and many musicians poured in. Throughout, Sima Rui maintained his elegance and nobility, neither refusing nor showing any joy.

He sat there lazily, listening to the same unchanging melody. Sima Rui was somewhat dazed.

Sima Rui immediately snapped back to reality when a familiar and melodious tune began to play.

"What is this piece of music?" Sima Rui's voice was abrupt. The musicians who had been playing were stunned for a long time before they came to their senses. One of them, with a calm expression and no fear in his eyes, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, this piece of music is called 'Tears of a Beauty'."

Who composed the music?

"Your Majesty," the musician said, neither humble nor arrogant, "this humble servant is yours."

"It's you?" Sima Rui's tone was full of disbelief.

The musician remained unfazed: "Actually, I'm not really a servant. I overheard this piece in the palace, and after compiling and collecting it, everyone thought it was very beautiful and melodious. So today I dared to perform it here. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

Consort Wang also asked in surprise, "Your Majesty, all the sisters and ladies who have heard this song like it very much. They find it very novel and beautiful."

"Who was it? Where did you hear that?" Sima Rui's tone was somewhat urgent.

"Frostfall Palace," the musician said calmly.

"Frostfall Palace?" Not only was Sima Rui surprised, but the concubines present were also astonished.

“Yes,” the musician said without fear, “Please forgive this servant for speaking out of turn, Your Majesty, but in recent years, many strange things have happened in Luoshuang Palace.” He hesitated for a moment as he said this.

"Go on," Sima Rui said, having regained his composure.