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Empress of Khitan - Empress Dowager of Khitan Chapter Sixty-Eight: Mother

Updated: 2008-09-20 16:54:08 Word Count: 3435

"Oh," Xiao Xuan replied, then looked at Wuming, thought for a moment, and said to Wuming, "A name is actually a mark, telling others who you are. We should all have names. If you're willing, Bohai Fei, let me name her, how about it?"

"Thank you, Your Majesty," said Consort Bohai. Looking at the young and beautiful Empress before her, she wondered what name she would choose for her daughter. She had little interaction with her and only hoped that she wouldn't make things difficult for her daughter.

“Nameless, I’ll name you Shuge,” Xiaoxuan said. “I hope you can be as gentle and virtuous as your mother, and as knowledgeable and reasonable. Your mother is His Majesty’s Bohai Consort, virtuous and kind. I hope you will always remember her, the mother who has worked so hard for you all these years and gave you life.”

"Shuge thanks Your Majesty the Empress." A smile appeared on Shuge's face after she received her name. She finally had her own name, just like her father's other daughters.

Feeling as if something had pierced her heart, Consort Bohai looked at Xiaoxuan with tears in her eyes and said, "Consort Bohai thanks Your Majesty the Empress."

Xiao Xuan smiled slightly and said, "I'm just afraid that the name I chose isn't good enough and doesn't match her. I really don't deserve the thank you."

Yelü Xian sat silently to the side, watching them. He would glance at Xiao Xuan for a moment, then at the Bohai Consort, a melancholy look on his face.

After a pause, Xiao Xuan said, "Xiao Chuo is ungrateful and shouldn't have come to disturb the peace of the Bohai Consort at this time. But there is something I think it's better to make it clear in front of the Bohai Consort. I don't want to be misunderstood by you, His Majesty, or even by Shu Ge."

Upon hearing Xiao Xuan's words, Consort Bohai felt a surge of nervousness and hurriedly asked, "What is it that Your Majesty the Empress wishes to discuss?"

“It’s about Ji Xian’s marriage,” Xiao Xuan said.

Upon hearing this, the Bohai Consort's face darkened immediately, and she said, "The Bohai Consort also knows that Shuge is not worthy of the young imperial brother-in-law. Everything is up to Her Majesty the Empress to decide."

“I brought this up for no other reason than that. Even if Empress Xiao is ungrateful, she knows that this is the time for Consort Bohai to recuperate peacefully, and she shouldn’t make you feel uneasy. It’s just that this matter involves the lifelong happiness of the two princesses, so I came to explain it to Consort Bohai.”

"Two princesses?" Consort Bohai asked, puzzled, not understanding Xiao Xuan's meaning.

"Princess Bohai may not know, but Jixian already has someone he loves in his heart," Xiaoxuan said.

"Oh?" Yelü Xian was also puzzled.

"This... I wonder which young lady is the young imperial uncle's sweetheart?" Consort Bohai was even more puzzled. She hadn't understood why the young imperial uncle, Xiao Jixian, already had a sweetheart when she had previously mentioned two princesses.

“The person Ji Xian loves is Guanyin,” Xiao Xuan said calmly.

"What? Is it the Eldest Princess?" Consort Bohai's voice trembled slightly.

Xiao Xuan looked at her and nodded, saying, "Ji Xian has been by my side since childhood, and I understand his feelings perfectly. From a young age, Guan Ge'er was raised hand in hand by him. Wherever Guan Ge'er went, Ji Xian was always among those accompanying her. Guan Ge'er also likes Ji Xian very much; otherwise, she wouldn't have come here to sulk with His Majesty regardless of the occasion. Children may not understand love, but they know who is important and indispensable to them. In Guan Ge'er's heart, Ji Xian is a very important person, just like a young child crying when separated from their mother's embrace. It's not that they don't have feelings; the feelings deep in children's hearts are often the most sincere. Therefore... Xiao Chuo has taken the liberty of coming here to ask His Majesty to cancel the marriage between Ji Xian and Shu Ge."

"Does Jixian like Guan Ge'er? How could I be so foolish as to not have noticed?" Yelü Xian sighed softly.

"Your Majesty is so busy with state affairs that he probably hasn't noticed the children's thoughts," Xiao Xuan comforted her. Glancing at Shu Ge, whose face was still full of childish innocence, standing by the bedside, Xiao Xuan turned to Consort Bohai and continued, "It's not that I deliberately want to stop this marriage; I'm truly thinking about the future of these three children. If Ji Xian didn't have Guan Ge in his heart, I wouldn't be so meddlesome. It's precisely because he has Guan Ge in his heart that I'm thinking so far ahead. Ji Xian is thinking of other women, yet he's marrying another woman. Will that woman be happy? Living in the shadow of another woman every day, can she be joyful? We are all parents now; isn't our greatest wish to see these children happy?"

"Stop talking." Tears streamed down the face of Consort Bohai as she looked at Xiaoxuan and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for telling me all this. Thank you for your concern for Shuge."

Looking at the sorrowful face of the Bohai Consort, Xiao Xuan said in a deep voice, "I just hope you don't misunderstand me. I am truly thinking of the children. I have no other intentions."

Princess Bohai nodded and said, "I understand."

What woman would want to live in another woman's shadow? She has already become a decoration in her shadow, so how could she want her own flesh and blood to continue such a tragedy?

"Consort Bohai knows that her days are numbered, so she has resorted to this desperate measure. She begs Your Majesty to make a decision and find a place for Shuge to rely on so that she can live in peace. Fortunately, Your Majesty reminded her in time. Your Majesty, Consort Bohai does not have many days left to live. She only has this one child who I am worried about. I ask Your Majesty to make a decision for Shuge."

Xiao Xuan looked at her, lowered her head and remained silent, then turned to Shu Ge and said, "Shu Ge, kneel down."

Shuge, who was standing to the side, was watching his mother cry sadly. When he heard the Empress telling him to kneel down, he didn't know what he had done wrong, so he quickly knelt down.

Xiao Xuan looked at her and said, "Your mother is quite ill. I'm afraid she'll be worried about you and won't feel at ease. From today onwards, you are my child. If you like, you can move in with me and live with the other princesses and princes. That way, your mother can feel at ease."

Upon hearing this, Consort Bohai immediately understood Xiao Xuan's meaning and said to Shu Ge, "Why don't you quickly thank your mother?"

"Shuge thanks Mother!" Shuge said.

“Don’t call me Mother,” Xiaoxuan said. “From now on, you will call me Mother, just like Guan Ge’er and Xu Ge’er.”

"Mother!" Upon hearing the Empress's words, Shuge hurriedly and timidly called out "Mother," and saw that "Mother" smiled gently at her.

Xiao Xuan got up and looked at the Consort Bohai on the sickbed, saying, "Don't worry, although this marriage is off, I will definitely find a handsome and dignified consort for Shu Ge, worthy of the title of princess. You rest first, I'll go back now. I think His Majesty must have a lot to say to you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Consort Bohai said, tears streaming down her face, looking at Xiao Xuan. She had actually understood her feelings; this was what a mother was like—the shared emotions of all mothers. She had never imagined her mother would treat her this way. She had thought her mother's words, "Let's keep to ourselves," were a subtle hint. Now, having reached this point, she finally understood: whether it was well water or river water, they were both water, sharing something in common—the tenderness and kindness of a woman.

"Your Majesty, there's something Consort Bohai must tell you, or she'll feel guilty. When you first entered the palace, I told you I was pregnant. I truly didn't mean to lie or have any other intentions; I was just mistaken. I had no experience in that area, and I thought that vomiting meant I was pregnant, so I thought that way. Please believe me. I've felt guilty about that ever since, always feeling like I'm the one who's wrong, letting others know and making them think I have ulterior motives. Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I'm so sorry about that time; I didn't mean to lie." Consort Bohai cried bitterly, and then she heard a gentle voice in her ear: "I've never distrusted you. I don't have that habit of making unfounded suspicions, so you don't need to feel guilty."

After speaking, Xiao Xuan looked at Shu Ge, waved to her, and said, "Shu Ge, come back with your mother. Your mother will arrange a place for you to stay." Then she looked at Yelü Xian and said, "I'll take Shu Ge back first. Bohai Fei must have a lot to say to you. Spend more time with her these few days. Leave the rest to me. I'll take care of everything."

"Yan Yan, I... thank you." Yelü Xian grabbed Xiao Xuan's arm and told her what was on his mind.

With a gentle smile, Xiao Xuan said to him, "What nonsense are you talking about? Although I am not Shu Ge's biological mother, Your Majesty, you are her biological father. Isn't your child my child? Bohai Consort is your first woman and has been with you the longest. At times like this, you should spend more time with her and talk to her more. If you don't cherish her now, you will only have regrets later."

After saying that, Xiao Xuan took Shu Ge's hand and left the room with him. Watching them leave, Yelü Xian felt a deep warmth in his heart. She had actually thought of him so much. Yan Yan, I didn't make a mistake in loving you.

Empress of Khitan - Empress Dowager of Khitan Chapter Sixty-Nine: Private Collection

Updated: 2008-09-20 16:54:08 Word Count: 3313

Walking to the bedside, Yelü Xian sat on Bohai Consort's bed. Before he could speak, Bohai Consort cried out, "I can't compare to her. Bohai Consort has never been as good as her."

Grabbing her hand, Yelü Xian said, "Silly girl, why compare yourself to her? You are you, and she is she. You will always be two different people. You are two different flowers, each with your own color and your own beauty. As long as you exude your own charm, it is enough to add splendor to this palace. Why compare yourself to her? Wouldn't a flower standing alone in the world be lonely?"

"Your Majesty, I was wrong," Consort Bohai cried. At this moment, she finally understood that she had never lost him. He had always been watching silently, admiring her silently. It was she who had given up the initiative, letting that flower that belonged to her fade away in this corner of the palace.

He bent down and gently hugged her, saying, "At a time like this, why are you saying such childish things? I am also heartbroken. I have neglected you all these years, not because I don't love you, but because I love her more. I only have one heart, and that heart is entirely devoted to her. I can't spare any more affection for you. I am sorry."

"Your Majesty!" Consort Bohai cried out with wide eyes. She refused to close her eyes, wanting to see every strand of his hair and count every inch of his care while she was still breathing.

That night, Bohai Consort's hand fell limp in Yelü Xian's, and she peacefully closed her eyes. Everyone had arranged everything for her, and she left without any worries.

Empress Xiao, thank you, thank you for everything you did for Shuge, thank you for returning my husband to me before I died. Your Majesty, if there is an afterlife, Consort Bohai will no longer be a burden to Your Majesty. Consort Bohai will wish Your Majesty and your beloved a long and happy life together.

With the passing of Consort Bohai, various rumors circulated both inside and outside the palace, namely whether the princess, who had been taken in by Empress Xiao Chuo's side and named Shuge, would be treated equally like the other princes.

Soon, everyone got the answer.

The Queen treated the motherless princess as her own, letting her read and play with her other children. She was impartial in everything she did, and all suspicions vanished in the Queen's gentle smiles and kindness towards the child.

The children lived together happier than ever before, with a caring mother who looked after them in every way. This was undoubtedly a blessing for them. Xiao Jixian was even happier to become the eldest son-in-law after being the second son-in-law. Although both were son-in-laws, this was the one he truly wanted.

That year, another event caused a sensation in the court and among the people. Yelü Xian bestowed upon his wife, Xiao Chuo, the highest and most unparalleled honor. Without consulting his court officials, Yelü Xian issued an edict to the scholars of the Imperial Historian, ordering them to address the Empress as "朕" (Zhen, meaning "I" or "I") when recording her words, and to record this rule in the relevant historical annals. This imperial edict shocked the court and the people, making everyone in the Liao Kingdom aware of Xiao Chuo's position in Yelü Xian's heart, and rapidly elevating the Empress's status in the eyes of the nation.

"Xian! Xian!" Xiao Xuan rushed into Yelü Xian's study, looked at him at his desk, and asked, "Why did you do this?"

Yelü Xian stood up, looked at Xiao Xuan standing at the door, and said, "I have thought it over carefully, and there is nothing more I can give you. What you once guarded for me with your life, I now give to you. Do you remember what you said when you were at your house, saying you wanted to go find Han Derang: 'I don't want to be a concubine.' I have always kept those words in my heart. If you don't want to be a concubine, then I will make you empress. Now, I give you my empire as well. In my heart, you have long been one with me. Your actions have not only been praised by the ministers, but even the people applaud you. What is there that I cannot give you?"

This year was the eighth year of the Baoning era of the Liao Dynasty.

That year, Empress Xiao Chuo's name garnered immense attention in the Liao court and among the common people. They knew that the Liao Dynasty had an Empress Xiao Chuo who usually handled military affairs on behalf of King Yelü Xian. Now, for a woman to be so highly regarded by the emperor was truly remarkable. Furthermore, Empress Xiao Chuo's effective management of the people's livelihoods resulted in very few public grievances. Therefore, from that time onward, as Empress Xiao Chuo's role in governing became more legitimate, many people in the Liao Dynasty only knew the name of Empress Xiao Chuo, and gradually forgot the name of King Yelü Xian.

In that year, Zhao Kuangyin, the man who had given Xiaoxuan the pearl, died suddenly overnight. His younger brother, Zhao Guangyi, bypassed his son and ascended the throne directly, leaving behind a mystery that has remained unsolved for thousands of years.

In the ninth year of the Baoning era, Xiao Xuan's second daughter was born, and Yelü Xian named her Changshou Nu (Longevity Girl). While the family lived happily together, an unexpected event occurred the following year, the tenth year of the Baoning era.

Grand Chancellor Gao Xun and Nüli, the commander of the Khitan palace, were both trusted by Yelü Xian. Therefore, Xiao Xuan, who usually handled state affairs on Yelü Xian's behalf, tried to avoid hearing anything about them. Gao Xun and Nüli, having suffered at Xiao Xuan's hands before, and now seeing Yelü Xian allow her to use the title "I," naturally understood that as long as Yelü Xian lived, touching Empress Xiao Chuo would be incredibly difficult. They simply remained silent during court sessions, rarely commenting on state affairs. The two sides maintained a stalemate of mutual non-aggression, but this year, several memorials changed this deadlock.

Nüli's insatiable greed was common knowledge throughout the court and the country. Xiao Xuan had mentioned this matter to Yelü Xian once. Yelü Xian said to Xiao Xuan, "Yan Yan, I have suffered greatly since childhood. Given my past, it's already a miracle that I survived. Fortunately, I met Nüli, who befriended me and has always stayed by my side. I know he is inherently greedy, but he is loyal to me, and has been so loyal to me all these years. So, Yan Yan, I hope you can be more magnanimous towards him and not make things difficult for him."

Xiao Xuan kept Yelü Xian's words in her heart. He was good to her, and she could not refuse his requests. Besides, everything she was doing now was given to her by him, so what was his little request?

Her long silence and forbearance made Nüli and Gaoxun complacent. Although they were very well-behaved and honest in the court, they were lawless behind the scenes. They associated with Yelü Xian's aunt and nanny, accepted bribes, and recommended him for official positions, which aroused the resentment of other ministers, but they could do nothing about the two of them.

That day, Yelü Xianshi, having reached his limit, submitted another memorial impeaching Nüli. In the court, Xiaoxuan, as usual, suppressed the memorial. Looking at the disappointed look in Xianshi's eyes as he dejectedly retreated back into the ranks of officials, Xiaoxuan felt a surge of turmoil. Lord Xianshi had impeached Nüli for violating the law more than once, each time either rejected by the Emperor or suppressed by her. Recalling the cold smiles on the faces of the officials as she suppressed the memorial, Xiaoxuan wondered if Nüli's affairs would always be suppressed.

Back in His Majesty's study, he was nowhere to be found; he must have taken the children hunting. Xiao Xuan opened Xian Shi's memorial and read it carefully, secretly thinking that it probably described how Nü Li and the others had once again abused their power and extorted money. "Alas! Xian, your kindness to them may just be the perfect shield for their lawlessness."

Sure enough, the memorial clearly stated that the woman had secretly kept 500 armored soldiers.

Well, before you were greedy, you would stuff all the good things into your own pocket. Now you dare to hoard them. If I let you hoard 500 taels today, what will you hoard tomorrow?

After a moment's thought, Xiao Xuan called out, "Someone, summon Yelü Xianshi to me."

"yes."

Watching the messenger run off, Xiao Xuan made up her mind. This time, she was determined to teach the women a lesson. "Xian asked me to be lenient with you; that's out of kindness. I didn't want to pursue your offenses, but instead of being grateful, you've become even more lawless. This time, I'll teach you a lesson so you'll know your place and restrain your behavior."

A moment later, Yelü Xianshi entered the study and said, "Xianshi greets Your Majesty the Empress."

Looking at Xian Shi, Xiao Xuan sighed and said, "Yelu Xian Shi, receive the decree."

Xian Shi was greatly alarmed. The Empress had summoned him at this time, probably because of his memorial to the throne. Usually, she would summon him and the other officials, offer them seats, and then gently advise them. This time, however, she hadn't said a word before ordering him to accept the decree.

Yelü Xianshi immediately knelt down and said, "Your subject Yelü Xianshi has received the decree from Her Majesty the Empress."

"Today you submitted a memorial accusing Nüli of secretly possessing 500 taels of armor. I hereby order you to take men to Nüli's residence immediately and investigate this matter thoroughly. If it is true, then Nüli will be imprisoned and await further punishment!"

"Your subject Yelü Xianshi obeys the decree!" Xianshi shouted, his heart filled with excitement.

The Khitan Empress – Chapter Seventy: An Old Case

Updated: 2008-09-20 16:54:08 Word Count: 3197

While Xian Shi appeared dissolute on the surface during Yelü Jing's reign, he possessed remarkably keen observation and insight. He inwardly despised Yelü Jing's neglect of state affairs and tyrannical nature, spending his days drinking and revelry, seemingly indifferent to everything. Despite this, his desire to dedicate himself to the Liao Dynasty never wavered. Yelü Xian knew of his talent for governance and treated him with great respect. After Yelü Jing's triumphant campaign against the Wugu tribe, Yelü Xian's respect for him only deepened. Later, upon ascending the throne, Yelü Xian heavily relied on Xian Shi, making him a trusted confidant.

Yelü Xianshi knew that Yelü Xian was a wise and capable emperor, but even the most accomplished emperors have their weaknesses. Yelü Xian's weakness lay in his tolerance and indulgence of his old subordinates. This was Yelü Xianshi's only point of dissatisfaction with Yelü Xian. Unlike Yelü Jing, who was cruel and tyrannical, Yelü Xian was upright and gentle. Most importantly, he was willing to listen to the advice of his ministers, could distinguish right from wrong, and was fair in his rewards and punishments—a rare quality for a ruler. Although Yelü Xian consistently avoided or even concealed the matters concerning Nüli and Gao Xun, the ministers still genuinely respected this Liao king.

Xian Shi, who had long been avoiding Yelü Xian's memorials, was overwhelmed with emotion upon hearing Xiao Xuan's decree. To govern the country, one must start with these corrupt officials and arrogant courtiers.