The room was quiet, the lamplight flickering. Emperor Xuande walked to the table, propping himself up on Wei Yu's shoulders with his hands. Her fragrant, soft body leaned gently against his arms. The lamplight danced, illuminating her face, delicate and smooth as if sculpted from ivory. Her long, curved eyelashes, like a row of tiny combs, densely veiled her eyelids. Her brows were slightly furrowed, and her glossy black hair cascaded down her back and over her shoulders, spilling into his embrace. Her breathing was even, her breath sweet as orchids. She wore only a white silk robe with a front opening, a jade-colored silk sash tied around her waist. The buttons at the collar were loose, and holding her in his arms, she felt even softer and warmer.
Emperor Xuande's heart fluttered, and a certain thought surged uncontrollably into his mind. The lamp wick burst open with a "poof." Emperor Xuande gently placed the beauty in his arms onto the bed, spread out the brocade quilt, and loosely covered her body. After thinking for a moment, he went to the foot of the bed and gently removed her brocade shoes. Her feet were even and her toes were as white and smooth as bamboo shoots. He touched them lightly with his fingertips and heard the beauty moan softly in her sleep. Her feet slightly closed. Emperor Xuande could hardly control himself. He exhaled a breath of stale air and smiled slightly. He was just like the wolf Hengchong had imagined, ready to pounce on its prey. He lowered the curtain and slowly walked back to the table. He sat down in the wooden chair and still felt the fragrance lingering in his nose. Composing himself, he picked up a booklet. A line of elegant prose immediately caught his eye—it was her edict encouraging agriculture. Clearly a copy, it showed some skill, though lacking the fluidity of earlier works and possessing a gentler touch. Marginal annotations adorned the pages, each word a gem. He was astonished, his eyes shining. Could there truly be such a woman in the world, so intelligent and compassionate, even showing such empathy for the common people? On the table were several sheets of poems written in small seal script. He recognized some as poems brought back by elders of past dynasties, usually attributed to court poetry or passed down by sages, revered as sacred texts for millennia. Several other poems, with their delicate sentiments and vivid imagery, were masterpieces he had never seen before.
What Heaven has bestowed should not be buried in the shifting sands.
Emperor Xuande rolled up his sleeves, blew out the candles, took the palace lantern and walked out of the room. Gao Qingmen, who was standing outside, took the lantern and was about to close the door when Emperor Xuande shook his head. He turned around and gently closed the vermilion door himself. He walked to the outside of the wall, knocked on the door tightly, and said in a low voice, "Have Hengchong come and guard it. Report back tomorrow morning."
Gao Qing was startled, bowed, and held the lamp to lead the way.
The deputy magistrate and Heng Chong waited respectfully outside the office. Emperor Xuande walked past Heng Chong and gave him a half-smile. Heng Chong's heart skipped a beat. Gao Qing, suppressing a laugh, whispered a few words in his ear. Heng Chong's mind went blank. He wanted to question Gao Qing, but saw him leave with his men to accompany the emperor. He scratched his head for a long time, wondering how the job had gone. He and the deputy magistrate stared at each other at the door.
The next day, when the sun was high in the sky, there was movement in the East Garden. The two ladies had not yet returned, and no one from the front office had sent a letter. No one noticed anything unusual, and they just thought that the weather was cool in the morning, so they got up late.
Wei Yu and Zi Yi were utterly shocked. Last night, while they were grinding ink and writing under the lamp, Zi Yi suddenly exclaimed, "Something's wrong, there's a sleeping potion." Wei Yu then slumped into a chair, and Zi Yi, after struggling a couple of steps, also collapsed under the table. This morning, Zi Yi woke up first and found herself fully clothed in the bed in the side room. This startled her greatly. She rushed to Wei Yu's room, drew the curtains, and saw Wei Yu sleeping soundly in bed. Only then did she feel half relieved. She quickly woke Wei Yu, who was still groggy and took a while to fully awaken. Seeing her embroidered shoes neatly placed on the footstool in front of the bed, Wei Yu blushed with shame, both shocked and angry. Zi Yi busied herself helping her get up. Her clothes and body were perfectly fine, and she seemed to have slept soundly and was in good spirits.
The two checked the doors and found nothing amiss. The jewelry and silver on the dressing table were untouched. Examining the desk, Wei Yu exclaimed in surprise, "The few sheets of small seal script I wrote yesterday are gone!" They exchanged a look, both filled with dread. Wei Yu thought back to last night when someone had clearly broken in, carried her to bed, and taken off her shoes. She didn't know if it was a man or a woman, whether it was teasing or indecent assault, or what their intention was in taking those sheets of paper. Wei Yu was filled with shock and anger. Someone had actually broken into an official residence in the capital?
Zi Yi steadied herself and thought carefully. She had a foundation in internal martial arts, so a little bit of sleeping incense shouldn't have affected her. Yet last night, she was affected as soon as she smelled the fragrance. The capital was heavily guarded by the Tiger Guards, and there were very few people in the world who could enter and leave the capital freely without being detected by the Tiger Guard Commander, Ximen Yixiao. It couldn't be the Second Master. She had been with the Second Master since childhood, and none of the martial arts figures she knew were currently in the capital. Their behavior was even less likely to be the Second Master's. So, it must be someone from the capital or the palace. Upon thinking of this, she suddenly remembered that last year, when she accompanied the Second Master and Lord Hengchong on a mission to Jiufeng Mountain, Lord Hengchong had boasted about a new sleeping incense he had developed. It looked like ordinary rosemary, but it was extremely potent. Just a trace of it could knock out a room full of people. Zi Yi was startled and broke out in a cold sweat. She dared not think any further and looked at Wei Yu, understanding dawning on her.
Seeing that Ziyi's expression was solemn and unusual, Weiyu became even more nervous. "Ziyi, what exactly happened?" She was somewhat flustered. She had witnessed the encounter with the two elders with her own eyes, and the shock she felt was beyond words, but she had nothing to fear. She just found it hard to imagine. But last night, she inexplicably fainted and woke up in her own bed. There were people spying on her in the dark. Weiyu felt a sense of dread. "Perhaps I should ask the elders for leave and go back to the Ji residence for a while."
Ziyi thought for a moment, and since the situation was still unclear, this was the only way. "What you say is very true, Miss. I will help you with your washing and dressing first. After breakfast, I will go and invite the Grand Historian." Only then did she realize that breakfast was late, and she hadn't even noticed. The Elder and the Second Master sent her to protect the Miss precisely because of her composure; how could she let her guard down? She feared that everyone in the East Garden had been subdued last night. In all the world, there was only one person who could make Lord Hengchong act in such a way. Ziyi sighed; the Second Master was likely to fail. The Second Master could compete with everyone else, but not with that one person.
The head maid brought in breakfast, but Wei Yu and Zi Yi had little appetite and ate hastily. Just as they were about to head to the Grand View Pavilion, the head maid came again to deliver a message: His Majesty would be visiting the Imperial Observatory at noon, and the official had requested that Attendant Song and Proofreader Chu wait at the Grand View Pavilion today in preparation for His Majesty's inquiry. This was unexpected. Zi Yi thought to herself, "They've come so quickly!" Wei Yu's heart skipped a beat, as if she had grasped something, and she became increasingly suspicious and uncertain.
At noon, the sound of music filled the air from the front office. Looking out from the railing of the Grand View Pavilion, one could see the dragon banner, yellow umbrella, and yellow fan raised high. Although Wei Yu and Chu Yiying were not present at the front office to greet the emperor, they waited in the main hall. Zi Yi had gone to the front office in the morning, but the Grand Astrologer was not there, and even the deputy Grand Astrologer avoided the office, saying that preparations for the emperor's arrival were to be made and other matters would be discussed later. Their attitude was very accommodating. Zi Yi immediately understood and was surprised. Knowing Wei Yu's temperament, she couldn't help but worry inwardly. However, fearing that Wei Yu would be concerned, she returned and only said that all the officials in charge had gone to the palace.
Knowing that Wei Yu was not very resistant to fatigue, Zi Yi took it upon herself to move an embroidered stool, saying, "Miss, please sit down first. Even if His Majesty arrives, it will be some time before he comes. We will inform him when he arrives."
Chu Yiying, dressed in a purple and green floral official robe, said softly, "I'm afraid this is inappropriate; it's extremely disrespectful to His Majesty." She looked at Wei Yu's crimson-purple official robe with resentment, "Song Shishu, etiquette cannot be disregarded."
Zi Yi was still angry. She wondered who it was that had been restless all morning, complaining that the official robes were too tight around the waist, and that the maids had messed up her dressing case, causing chaos among the maids and nannies in her room. Now, however, she was acting like a proper young lady, feigning composure. Zi Yi helped Wei Yu sit down and deliberately said softly, "Miss, don't worry. The East Garden is full of female officials. His Majesty might not even come."
Chu Yiying shrieked, "Song Shishu, your maid is so rude! Aren't you going to do anything about it?" Her stunningly beautiful face could practically spit fire.
Normally, Chu Yiying was imperious and domineering, and Wei Yu would respond calmly. Today, she had no mood to pay attention to her and simply said, "Please sit down, Scholar Chu, and calm down." The maids and servants standing nearby chuckled. Zi Yi had wanted to say a few more sarcastic remarks, but hearing Wei Yu speak, she realized that she herself was also agitated. Suddenly, she felt pity. This Chu Yiying must think she had stumbled upon a golden opportunity, that with her beauty and virtue she could surely win the emperor's favor. Little did she know the emperor's true intentions. Thinking of this, Zi Yi wanted to sigh again. She didn't know whether it would be a blessing or a curse later. She then moved an embroidered stool over and said, "Please sit down, Scholar Chu."
Chu Yiying was met with a rebuff, and feeling inferior for refusing, she could only sit down dejectedly.
Zi Yi stood aside, looking worried. The Imperial Observatory was going to receive the Emperor that morning, so she couldn't go out at will. She couldn't send carrier pigeons in the Imperial City either, as it would be impossible to escape the eyes of the Tiger Guards. She didn't even have anyone to consult, so she had no choice but to play it by ear.
The sound of boots echoed, and everyone held their breath. Then, someone outside shouted "We've arrived!" breaking the silence in the room.
Chu Yiying rushed to the door, but after some thought, she reluctantly took a step back, letting Weiyu go out of the building first. Ziyi wanted to move the embroidered stool, but then changed her mind and decided not to move it. She followed the others out to greet them.
Emperor Xuande entered first, followed by Gao Qing and the Grand Historian, along with several palace maids holding peacock feather fans, jade ruyi scepters, and brocade bowls. The Dragon Cavalry Captains stood in front of the screen wall. He walked to the threshold, then suddenly stopped, his gaze falling on the silent jade-leaf crown. "Rise, all of you. This is not the court, there is no need for formalities."
Although the Emperor had said there was no need for formalities, once he sat down on the carved sandalwood couch in the center, before bowing again to Chu Yiying, the maids and nannies of Daguanlou knelt down outside the door. Emperor Xuande noticed a brocade stool on his left, which seemed quite out of place. Thinking of the secret report from the Embroidered Uniform Guard last night, he said, "Get up. Both of you ladies are talented women. I should be lenient and offer you seats."
Gao Qing had already spotted the embroidered stool and knew that the Emperor cherished the beauty. Thinking of the imperial edict to be issued tomorrow, he realized that the Emperor's favor was truly extraordinary, even to his surprise. This would surely cause turmoil in the court and the inner palace.
Wei Yu has always had low blood sugar, and she is often taken care of by others to do some light activities during PE class. Today it was hot, and she was not used to kneeling and bowing like this. When she got up, she felt dizzy. Just as Emperor Xuande finished speaking about offering her a seat, her heel touched the embroidered stool. Without thinking much, she sat down and subconsciously closed her eyes to wait for the dizziness to pass.
To onlookers, this was extremely impolite. She should have respectfully thanked the emperor like Chu Yiying before sitting down. Who would dare to sit upright in front of the emperor? Chu Yiying gloated, gracefully sitting sideways on the embroidered stool, appearing dignified and elegant. She stole a glance at Emperor Xuande's resolute and handsome face, her heart pounding like a deer. Seeing him frown, she secretly rejoiced, thinking that she would be reprimanded for not speaking.
Wei Yu opened her eyes, meeting Emperor Xuande's gaze. She was slightly startled; his gaze clearly held concern. "Are you feeling unwell?" Emperor Xuande noticed her face had been deathly pale for a moment, only regaining some color now. Had the events of last night overwhelmed her? Heng Chong had reported this morning that there was nothing particularly unusual, except that Lady Song wanted to take leave to return to the Ji residence. Upon hearing this, he immediately drafted an imperial edict, completing it in one go without hesitation. Gao Qing, the ink-servant, was utterly astonished at the time. Looking at the edict he had drafted, he couldn't help but chuckle. It turned out he too could fall in love at first sight; her beauty had taken root in his heart. No wonder he felt uneasy hearing that Wei Yu wanted to return to the Ji residence. The secret memorial clearly stated that Ji Zhonglian was infatuated with Lady Song. He immediately granted his wish and issued an edict to come to the Imperial Observatory at noon.
"I..." Wei Yu quickly changed her words, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am well." Wei Yu said in a stilted voice, still feeling awkward about it. She thought it was a very abrupt question. Wasn't there a difference between men and women in this era? Could the emperor just do whatever he wanted?
Gao Qing was very surprised. The Song family of Yuanning was also a prestigious family, a family of scholars. This mistress looked beautiful and outstanding, and did not seem like someone who did not know the rules. However, she just sat there and calmly replied without any fear or trepidation, without standing up to reply. There was no affectation at all, and she did not seem to be arrogant because of her favor. It was very natural, as if it was how it should be.
Emperor Xuande hadn't noticed at all; it was the first time he'd heard Wei Yu speak. Her uniquely sweet and gentle Wu dialect pleased him. He raised an eyebrow in surprise, carefully observing Wei Yu's expression. Sure enough, it had improved, and he felt relieved. Turning to Gao Qing, he said, "It's probably because of the heat. Open all the windows, fan them, and bring iced plum soup." Gao Qing respectfully responded, giving Wei Yu a deep look as he passed by, before directing the palace maids to open the windows and fan them. The room became much cooler.
Wei Yu felt even more awkward. When Chu Yiying saw this, her heart sank. Wasn't His Majesty trying to curry favor with the Song family? Wasn't His Majesty supposed to be cruel and cold-hearted? She was filled with jealousy and hatred. Song Wei Yu clearly didn't know etiquette. Could it be that His Majesty actually liked this? She boldly stole glances at Emperor Xuande, hoping that he would discover that she was more charming and naturally beautiful than Wei Yu.
Emperor Xuande's gaze, however, was fixed on Wei Yu. As the maids served her the iced plum soup, he noticed that Wei Yu was wearing a crimson-purple official robe with a jade belt around her waist. Her once-sedient, glossy black hair was now gathered into a jade crown. Her face, as delicate as jade, was clean and free of any makeup. Beneath her long, arched eyebrows were a pair of dark, jade-like eyes, clear and beautiful like a lotus emerging from water. When she saw him looking at her, she lowered her eyelids slightly, avoiding his gaze with a hint of nervousness.
In Emperor Xuande's eyes, this appeared as shyness. Song Weiyu pushed away her crown, but the emperor's affections were invincible. After all, who could escape the charm of the Son of Heaven? Seeing the beads of sweat on her nose, he smiled slightly and let her off the hook for the time being. "I have heard that you have excellent calligraphy skills. Which master did you study under?"
The emperor's gentle attitude surprised Wei Yu. He was inquiring about a female official, not about important matters, but seemed very interested in her calligraphy. Wei Yu's heart skipped a beat. Her gaze swept over the woman, and she felt immense pressure. She looked away and carefully examined the brocade carpet on the ground. "I have studied the calligraphy of Chu Suiliang." She felt like she was sitting on pins and needles. Where had she gone wrong? This was definitely not a good thing.
Emperor Xuande was taken aback. He didn't say anything. It should be the calligraphy of Ji Yuanwu, a great calligrapher in the early days of the empire (actually, Ji Yuanwu accidentally obtained a calligraphy scroll brought back by an elder and eventually became a great calligrapher). Chu Suiliang, he had never heard of such a calligraphy master. He must be hiding among the common people. "I wonder where your teacher is? Is he willing to enter the officialdom?" If he can teach Weiyu, this person is worthy of being a master of his generation. The court should employ him.
Before she could speak, she realized she had answered incorrectly and could only mumble, "He has passed away." He's been dead for over a thousand years, she thought irritably.
Gao Qing observed the two. The Emperor asked questions eagerly, while the Song Consort replied coldly. Accustomed to the shy and timid or fawning smiles of the concubines in the harem, the Emperor seemed quite pleased with this rebuff. It had been a long time since he had seen the Emperor so relaxed since the Elder went into seclusion. While affairs of state were going smoothly, the Emperor rarely smiled in the inner court. However, Gao Qing was still mostly worried. He watched coldly, and it seemed the Emperor was only enthusiastic about this matter. The Song Consort's cold demeanor didn't seem like a ploy to win him over. Summoning her to the palace might not be something she was willing to do. If the Emperor became angry and embarrassed, who knew what might happen? If the Ji family was involved, it could be very troublesome.
Sure enough, Emperor Xuande said again, "Your calligraphy is quite unique. I just happened to acquire a fine couplet today. Gao Qing, prepare the paper." Gao Qing hurriedly agreed. (Source: )
The afternoon was the hottest time of day. Emperor Xuande glanced at the beautiful woman beside him, her skin rosy and her fragrance delicate as orchids. A surge of passion welled up within him. He took the large brush from Gao Qing, dipped it in thick ink, and began to write with swift, sweeping strokes:
The Great White Madman Dances with Swords
Little Red sings softly as I play the flute.
The ink splattered on the snow-white paper, and though she remained silent and feigned oblivion, she couldn't help but admire him. Such temperament, such refinement, could make any woman in the world's heart flutter. She looked closely at the noble and supreme man. His expression was focused, his silk robe adorned with golden dragons holding the sun had its sleeves rolled up, his nose was straight and prominent, his eyebrows were sharp and his eyes were piercing. He possessed the majesty of an emperor and extraordinary charisma, yet he was not the man who could move her heart. She did not belong to this world, and especially not to the imperial family.
After Emperor Xuande finished writing, he looked at it without speaking and asked, "What do you think?"
Without speaking, she gathered her thoughts and gazed intently. "His Majesty's calligraphy is vigorous and powerful, like a dragon soaring through the air. It reflects the man himself, but..."
"But what?" Emperor Xuande was not offended; a woman who readily catered to his every whim was not the kind of woman he had his eye on.