Mu Yuchengs Abkommen

Kapitel 16

He frowned involuntarily, said nothing more, and then left.

Nothing went wrong along the way. When we got to the tree he mentioned, I pretended to fetch a ladder, easily climbed up, and carried the big, fat, golden cat down. Guess what I saw behind the lush treetops? Little White was there, grinning smugly at me. I don't know if it was my imagination, but I thought I saw it wink at me strangely, with a wicked grin. I almost flew over in anger, grabbed it, and dragged it into Jiu Nian Xuan to give it a good spanking.

Could it be that this rascal lured that precious little Persian cat up here to court, only to overlook its astonishing weight and become unable to get down? During this ordeal, a eunuch who happened to be looking for his beloved pet spotted it and rushed to find someone to rescue it. You see, this is the apple of the Empress's eye! And to be tricked like this! I glared at it fiercely; if it could understand, it would be ashamed to death, but it remained lazily perched on the roof, watching like a spectator as I, the beauty, rescued the cat.

Seeing that I had successfully rescued Little Persian, it jumped up and disappeared.

"Hmph, you can run away on the first day of the month but not on the fifteenth. Just you wait, you'll be in for a surprise when we get back to Jiu Nian Xuan," I thought angrily.

I smiled as if I had found a gold brick and carefully handed the little Persian baby in my arms to the steward.

He smiled as promised, his old face instantly etched with deep wrinkles. I continued to smile awkwardly, avoiding looking at him.

He praised us a few times, then picked up the cat and went to his master to receive his reward. He didn't even consider who had brought that fat cat down.

After respectfully seeing him off, we continued on our way. One step, two steps, just three more corners and two more archways to reach Jiu Nian Xuan. But my joy didn't last long; another devilish voice rang out behind us—

"Those two in front—"

Lower your head, walk quickly, and pretend you didn't see anything.

"You—" The eunuch in the dark robe rushed over and grabbed Yunying and my sleeves, panting heavily as he ran.

"Did your father-in-law call us?" I took a deep breath and asked, pointing to myself with feigned surprise.

He clutched his stomach, and without thinking twice, threw all the books he was holding at me and Yunying, shouting as he ran, "These are the books His Highness the Crown Prince wanted, we can't delay, quickly send them to Jingmen Palace, I, I can't hold it in anymore, I need to go to the toilet—" and disappeared.

I stood there, holding the book, stunned. I received a look of utter disdain from Yunying, as if to say, "Look, Miss, your skillful hands have made us look like servants. We've been bossed around several times along this short stretch of road."

“Miss, it seems we are more like servants than those servants. It is all thanks to your guidance that Yunying has the talent she has today.”

I rolled my eyes in a very unladylike way. Doesn't this just prove my disguise skills are good? And yet I talk so much.

Sigh, I guess I'll just have to accept it and send him there. If I had known that demanding, arrogant, and unruly sugar daddy was so hard to please, I definitely wouldn't have been tempted by the beauty of the Imperial Garden.

Indeed, lust is a double-edged sword.

Volume 2, Chapter 27: Blue Light

The scenery along the way was like a fairyland, each scene a masterpiece of nature, each unique and self-contained. The ingenious layout and exquisite decoration were truly unparalleled. Every view and every tree here constantly reminded me that this was the center of power, the epitome of all things under heaven. It was a place I absolutely did not want to get involved in.

If I had to say what I want to do most here, it would be to learn how to live well. To live quietly on the fringes of this deep palace.

With its winding ponds and willow groves, gardens filled with flowers, carved beams and painted curtains, and hexagonal eaves, the landscape is magnificent.

Upon arriving at Jingmen Hall, we were stopped by a eunuch who asked our purpose before leading us inside. Yunying and I kept our heads down the whole time, not daring to look up lest he notice anything. Besides, this wasn't a place where lowly eunuchs could freely observe; the Crown Prince, the future emperor, was a man of such stature.

We were peacefully preparing to walk through the corridor and courtyard to the study at the far end, put the books away, and leave. But then, our normally functioning ears heard—

Ten-year-old Sima Shao coldly stared at this ignorant servant. How dare he, how dare he lose his most beloved golden-eyed crested parrot! With that, his face hardened, and he kicked the kneeling, pleading eunuch hard in the chest. Useless servant, better off without him.

The little eunuch on the ground knelt there with his head down, his body trembling, and kept saying, "Your Highness, spare me, Your Highness, spare me..." completely unaware of the deadly danger that was about to befall him.

Suddenly, a sharp sound rang out beside him, followed by a cry of "Ouch!" and a figure crashed heavily to the ground. The book in the eunuch's hand, coincidentally, struck Sima Shao's outstretched leg. Sima Shao felt a sudden numbness in his leg, which then slumped limply in pain.

The eunuch who had caused the trouble scrambled to his feet and immediately knelt on the ground with a thud. His face filled with terror, he kowtowed vigorously to the high and mighty Crown Prince, muttering incoherently, "I deserve to die, I deserve to die, please, Your Highness, have mercy on this servant." As he spoke, he moved over and picked up the book that had fallen to the ground.

Sima Shao was stunned by this sudden situation. When he realized what was happening, his face turned even greener and his voice was as cold as ice. He said in a cold voice, "You audacious servant, who gave you permission to trespass into the Jingmen Palace?"

The servant, kneeling on the ground with his head bowed, seemed aggrieved and said, "Your Highness, I am from Xiaotiao Palace. On the way, a eunuch asked me to deliver the book Your Highness requested. I am new here and do not know the rules. Please punish me, Your Highness." After speaking, he kowtowed heavily to him in fear.

Sima Shao looked at them with disgust, wanting to kick them to vent his anger, but his foot felt as heavy as a thousand pounds and wouldn't obey him.

Just as I was wondering, the kneeling eunuch continued obsequiously, "This servant knows that I have offended His Highness the Crown Prince and that my sins are grave. From now on, I voluntarily demote myself to the Slave Palace so as not to offend His Highness the Crown Prince."

Seeing that Sima Shao didn't react, she swiftly pulled the little eunuch who was kneeling on the ground, trembling like a leaf in winter, and secretly retreated. "Oh dear, how could he be so frightened? His body was frozen in place, unable to move. I had to gather my strength to drag him out of that terrifying Jingmen Hall before the Crown Prince understood what was happening."

Having just escaped, Yunying patted her chest and exclaimed in surprise, "Miss, don't do such dangerous things again! You have no idea how dangerous it was just now, it scared Yunying to death!" Her voice choked with emotion at the end.

I patted her head affectionately and said, "It's all right now."

And look at that little eunuch who was so frightened he couldn't speak. He looked to be the same age as that cruel prince. How could he possibly step on him?

However, the tiny bit of force I applied to his Achilles tendon just now is enough to keep him bedridden for ten days to two weeks. This is a small lesson for him, showing how cold-blooded he is at such a young age. Let's see if he dares to treat human life so lightly again.

I'll teach him a lesson when I get the chance. This kind of spoiled brat is really unacceptable.

She glanced at the young eunuch with pity, then gently took his trembling hand and slowly soothed the fear in his eyes. "Fine, fine," she thought, "letting him go now will only send him to his death. I might as well see this through to the end. Anyway, my Jiu Nian Xuan is secluded and deserted; no one will care about an inexperienced young eunuch."

He stood there blankly in the courtyard for a long time before realizing he'd been tricked! Damn it, how dare they play tricks on me, the Crown Prince! If I catch them one day, they'll be sorry! He just said he was from which palace—it seems to be the Xiaotiao Palace. Tomorrow, I'll dig three feet into the ground and find that audacious eunuch!

As he spoke angrily, he strode forward. The stunned eunuch standing nearby heard a "thump," followed by a cry of "Ouch!" from the precious young prince as he crashed heavily to the ground. Despite his usual fierceness, he was still just a ten-year-old child. He burst into tears of grievance, his little hands clenched into fists, cursing viciously in his heart, "If I ever find you, I'll tear you to pieces!"

"Achoo!", "Achoo!"...

Who's cursing me? I've been sneezing nonstop since I got back to Jiu Nian Xuan. Winter isn't even here yet, why do I suddenly feel so chilly? Oh no, I need to put on an outer layer. Leaving that tearful little troublemaker to deal with Yun Ying, I hurriedly retreated into my warm and cozy room to catch up on my afternoon nap.

"Phew," she sighed contentedly, "that feels so good."

When I woke up, the moon was already high in the sky.

I casually threw on a thin nightgown, my messy long hair draped loosely over my shoulders, and as I walked into the hall, I gave an unseemly yawn—but before I could finish the yawn, I saw a little eunuch standing awkwardly in the hall, blushing and staring at my indecent attire, dumbfounded and speechless.

When Yunying brought me some hot porridge from the kitchen, all she saw at the door was a sharp, angry female voice, followed by me grabbing that pitiful little eunuch in his teens and throwing him out of the hall.

Unfortunately, when I woke up, I had completely forgotten about the little eunuch I had brought back today.

Looking awkwardly at the little eunuch I'd thrown out, now covered in bruises and a black eye, I awkwardly touched my nose to hide my guilt. But Yunying, who was applying medicine to the little eunuch, completely ignored my pretense and grumbled at me, "Miss, I'm not trying to be mean, but you can't be this forgetful! You're in the prime of your life, how did you pick up this old woman's habit, and even threw Xiao Quanzi so hard..."

So his name was Xiao Quanzi. Hehe, I chuckled to myself. Why are all eunuchs called something like "zi"? When Wei Xiaobao was in the palace, he was called Xiao Guizi, and Emperor Kangxi was called Xiao Xuanzi.

I was just trying to change the subject to divert Yunying's attention, because if she kept nagging me like this, I would become a sinner for all eternity.

To everyone's surprise, the handsome young eunuch smiled shyly and said softly, "Sister didn't mean it. Sister Yun, please don't say anything more. Besides, Quanzi isn't in any pain at all. Quanzi hasn't even thanked you for saving my life yet."

That "sister" sounded so sweet. Hehe, I looked smugly at the indignant Yunying. Since the person involved had spoken, it wasn't my problem anymore.

After laughing, I said to Yunying, "Clean up that empty pavilion that's been filled with miscellaneous items. Xiao Tai—Xiao Quanzi, you'll live there from now on. From now on, consider this your home. Although I, your unfavored master, can't give you any riches or honors, I can still ensure you have enough to eat and wear. Settle down and relax."

Stretching comfortably, too lazy to look at Yunying's unhelpful gaze, he said lazily, "I'm going to the study to draw. Yunying, turn up the lights and add some more oil, we're going to be pulling an all-nighter again tonight."

Yunying cast a resentful glance over again: "Miss, your health is important—"

I hurriedly ran away, not forgetting to tease him: "I know, I know, health is the foundation of everything."

Xiao Quanzi stared at his angelic older sister, completely speechless. He lowered his head, staring blankly at the lines on his palm. Even after so long, why couldn't he forget the lingering warmth of her hand? This older sister's hands were so warm. Just like the hands of the mother who sold him into the palace.

Looking gratefully in the direction where the person had disappeared, little Li Quan secretly vowed in his heart that she would be his master for life.

Yunying watched the innocent young boy with knowing eyes, fully understanding his thoughts. Sigh, wasn't this the same master who had entered her heart back then? Otherwise, how could she have forgotten his entrustment... to willingly stay by her side, intending to take care of her for the rest of her life...?

Despite appearing naive and innocent, she so easily touches people's hearts, sharing her warmth with others and unintentionally warming so many desolate souls. She makes people willingly reluctant to leave, unwilling to part with the purest, most unassuming, and most precious warmth in the world. It's a kindness that requires no return and no sacrifice.

Volume 2, Chapter 28: The Robin

Why has the Emperor delayed in establishing an Empress?

The man being questioned looked bewildered for a moment before saying softly, "I already have someone in mind." He paused, then murmured, "I've been waiting for him to grow up, but when he did, I could no longer find him."

The woman maintained her indifferent expression. "Does the Emperor love her?"

"Yes, I love him so much that I would give up this empire to grow old with him."

The man who had been standing by the window answering questions suddenly turned around and asked the composed woman, "Consort Huan, you've suffered so much all these years."

The woman's face finally showed a slight change of expression. She suppressed the bitterness rising in her throat and forced herself to remain calm, saying, "If it weren't for Your Majesty, I would have been married off to who knows where by my father back then. Over the years, I have always been grateful. I only wish to recite scriptures and chant Buddhist prayers every day, praying for Your Majesty's lifelong peace, in order to repay Your Majesty's kindness."

“Yuanyuan, I was the one who wronged you back then. If I hadn’t taken you to see him, none of this would have happened.”

"Your Majesty," Consort Huan suddenly shouted sharply, "What happened back then was my own choice, and it was by no means Your Majesty's fault. Moreover, over the years, Your Majesty has fulfilled all my wishes, and I am unworthy of such treatment."

The emperor sighed softly, "I have neglected you for so many years. I just didn't want you to get involved in the power struggles of the harem, which is not something you should have to go through."

The woman smiled knowingly, "After all these years, it is still Your Majesty who understands me best. We truly are bosom friends." It is no longer "I" and "Your Majesty," but "I" and "we."

The man, unusually setting aside his imposing demeanor, walked over and patted the woman's head, gently scolding her as if she were a girl next door, "Still as quick-witted as ever. Who told us to grow up together? In folk terms, we're childhood sweethearts."

"You are the emperor, so naturally there is a difference between you and the common people."

“Your Majesty,” the man’s eyes suddenly turned cold, “they don’t take me, the Emperor, seriously.”

The woman smiled faintly, seemingly understanding, "Does Your Majesty intend to do something?"

They didn't care that the "they" he mentioned included his own family.

The man looked at her again, his expression still as gentle as before.

"Yuanyuan, have you had breakfast today? Come and have some with me."

The woman nodded, her eyes full of smiles. "Okay."

After having breakfast in the kitchen today, I was incredibly bored. Lately, Yu Ya has been quite favored and hasn't had time to come to the villa to chat with me anymore. At least not as frequently as before. But that's exactly what I need. Watching her cry and whine about being favored and vying for favor in front of me all day is utterly annoying.

I am the emperor's concubine, but I am definitely not the emperor's woman.

So the harem is far from me. No, it's me who's far from the harem. Because this isn't my place. When the time comes, I'll leave and return to the home I've built for myself. Back to my family. Without realizing it, I've come to regard Xiao Qi and Uncle Zhong from the manor as my own relatives. Most importantly, there's the old man who loves me most outside.

Even though I don't know what stories he had with my mother and the patriarch, I know that I am extremely important to him. Otherwise, why would he always willingly let me tease him and do things for me that he never likes?

After a relaxing bath, I dragged Yunying out for a stroll. Of course, I was made up, but this time I wasn't a eunuch, but a regular palace maid. I hoped the "tragedy" from last time wouldn't repeat itself. Otherwise, Yunying's gaze would be deadly.

After spending these past few years together, Yunying hasn't learned any good manners, but she has certainly learned to be disrespectful to her master. However, to my relief, her innate servility has almost completely disappeared. This gives me a small sense of accomplishment.

However, in my education of her, the most important thing is to be flexible and adaptable. No matter when or what the situation, preserving one's life is the most important thing. Moreover, one must know how to disguise oneself and play different roles for different kinds of people.

It's fine if they're disrespectful to me, but I have to be polite to those cannibalistic masters outside. I need to kneel when I should kneel, show weakness when I should show weakness, and run away when I should run away. I must never be foolish enough to do anything stupid.

Compared to the awe I felt upon seeing the palace's grandeur on my previous two visits, now that the novelty has worn off, I don't really feel anything anymore.

As we were strolling, a figure who seemed to be in charge suddenly appeared in front of us. Yunying and I quickly moved aside, heads bowed and hands at our sides, standing obediently to the side. We bowed slightly in greeting, preparing to leave hastily.

Sima Shao glanced at the two ordinary palace maids hurrying past him, and for some reason, he felt a strange sense of familiarity. It was as if—yes, it was the fragrance on them, a faint scent of osmanthus, and a strange, serene aroma. Where was it? Where had he smelled this fragrance before?

"Wait." The young master in brocade spoke up. I knew trouble was coming. That fierce crown prince was not someone I could afford to offend. I lowered my head, hoping he wouldn't recognize me.

Since coming to this palace, he hadn't encountered any women vying for his affections, but instead, he'd run into this little devil. Luckily, he hadn't let Xiao Quanzi come out today; he was on guard duty at the gate. Otherwise, the life he'd just saved would have been gone again.

Sima Shao remembered that the servant who had pounced on him that day smelled exactly like this. He had wondered at the time why a servant could smell so good.

Despite calling out to God, the Holy Mother, and the Jade Emperor in my heart several times, no one paid any attention to me. The arrogant prince walked over with a complicated look in his eyes, and smiled wickedly at me, saying, "What, little eunuch, you've turned into a palace maid again?" Then he shouted sternly, "You audacious servant, how dare you deceive this prince! Do you know what crime you have committed?"

I secretly pulled Yunying down to kneel, my face panicked, almost in tears. I stammered, "Your Highness, I didn't mean to deceive you. I just offended you and was afraid you would blame me, so I ran away secretly. Please forgive me, Your Highness." I kowtowed several times, "Please spare me, Your Highness. I deserve to die, I deserve to die."

Yunying murmured from behind, "Miss—"

I shook my head at her silently, but still repeated those words with my head down in fear.

"Damn lackey!" he said, kicking me. I was stunned and didn't react in time. Even if I could have dodged it, I absolutely couldn't have.