Building a Harmonious Song Dynasty

Chapter 74

Granny Fang was displeased to hear her say that and said, "This ceremonial robe and phoenix crown are symbols of the Empress's maternal virtue and incomparable nobility. Miss Qin, don't speak nonsense."

Qin Zhen remained silent. This was a rule that had been in place for a hundred years in the Song Dynasty. She had no intention of resisting it; it was only for her wedding day, and she could just endure it. She wasn't yet at the point where she was bound by such rules, so why bother making a fuss?

"Granny Fang, I can't tell what's suitable and what's not. Could you take a look for me?"

Granny Fang waved to the people behind her, and two palace maids dressed as imperial embroiderers immediately came forward. They examined Qin Zhen's body for a while before leaving. Qin Zhen finally breathed a sigh of relief when everyone began to remove her belongings one by one.

After being tossed and turned for two hours on a hot summer morning, Qin Zhen was covered in sweat. After dismissing Granny Fang and the others, she ordered Wanqiu to prepare bathwater so she could wash off the sweat.

After returning from the morning court, Zhao Gou went straight to Yuxiu Palace. On the way, he encountered Granny Fang and saw a group of palace maids walking towards him, carrying clothes and ornaments. He stopped them and asked, "Is she satisfied with the clothes and ornaments?"

Everyone knelt on the ground. Granny Fang looked up at Zhao Gou in the carriage and said, "Your Majesty, this outfit fits perfectly. Only a few places need some alteration. Everything is fine."

"I was asking her if she liked the dress?"

Zhao Gou believed that Qin Zhen should wear her most beautiful and favorite clothes on their wedding day, and he did not want to make her feel inferior.

Not knowing how to answer, Granny Fang could only tell Zhao Gou what Qin Zhen had said. Zhao Gou chuckled and said, "Big-headed baby? Never mind, you may all leave now. I will go and see her myself."

When Zhao Gou arrived at Yuxiu Palace, Qin Zhen had just gotten up from her bath and her hair was still wet. She was unwilling to see Zhao Gou, but Zhao Gou wanted to see her, so how could the palace servants dare to stop him?

Qin Zhen was drying his wet hair in front of the bronze mirror with Wan Qiu when Zhao Gou came in, took the towel from Wan Qiu's hand, and told her to leave. Then he asked Qin Zhen, "What exactly do you mean by 'big-headed baby'?"

Qin Zhen looked at Zhao Gou in the mirror and said, "How did you know what I just said? You're very quick."

"I ran into Granny Fang on the way here and asked her a question."

"You shouldn't bother with me so much. Everything is fine here. You're coming to my place every day even before the wedding. The officials who advise against it will have something to say."

Zhao Gou leaned against her dressing table, looking directly at her face, and said, "Why bother what they say?"

As Qin Zhen combed her hair, she said, "I don't care what they say, but you must not neglect your duties, otherwise what will become of the country and its people?"

"Yes, yes, Madam's instruction is correct!"

Qin Zhen was taken aback. Zhao Gou actually called her "Madam," as sweetly as an ordinary married couple. Qin Zhen wanted to send Zhao Gou away, so she invoked the rules, saying, "Go back now. There are only three days left until the wedding. From tomorrow onwards, you are not allowed to see me. This is the rule!"

"Okay, I'll be going now." Zhao Gou walked to the door and turned back to say, "Seeing you every day makes me know who I'm fighting for, and it makes me feel especially at ease."

Zhao Gou, who left after saying those words, didn't see Qin Zhen sitting in front of the dressing table for a long time, a faint smile on her lips that she couldn't erase no matter what.

Volume Two: Eagle Soars Through the Sky 139 Lamenting Past Lives

Qin Zhen had little experience with marriage, having never seen it in her previous life. When the day of July 7th finally arrived, she suddenly felt nervous and afraid.

As Wanqiu, Granny Fang, and the others began to dress and groom her from midnight, she would tremble from time to time. Wanqiu sensed her nervousness and comforted her, saying, "Miss, this is a major event in your life, so it's inevitable that you'll be nervous. But don't worry too much, just follow the guide."

Granny Fang also said, "Miss has rehearsed the wedding process several times this month and has done very well. Don't be afraid."

Don't be afraid, but... how could she not be afraid? Memories of her past life surged back like a tide, a first for Qin Zhen since her reincarnation!

I still remember Qin Zhen lying alone in the intensive care unit of the hospital in that steel jungle. The sudden natural disaster destroyed her home and took away her whole family. Her heart was numb with pain, and her tears had dried up.

She thought her life had lost all meaning, but then she met the "good man" in her life—a kind, patient, and handsome doctor who not only cured her leg ailment but also healed her heartbreak. He held her hand and said, "Let's rebuild our home together. From now on, I'm your family." Qin Zhen thought to herself, perhaps God had given her a second chance at life.

However…fate always seems to take a turn where these words appear, and Qin Zhen was no exception. Her illness was cured, and her relationship with the doctor progressed smoothly. But just one day before they were to walk down the aisle, the doctor told Qin Zhen, who was trying on her wedding dress, "I'm sorry, I'm already a married man…"

A married man!

What a blow! What a deception! Her sweet words still echoed in her ears, and then the doctor's wife showed up at her door, creating a scene. She silently endured the blame and insults, hating herself for misjudging someone and becoming the other woman in someone else's marriage! How shameful!

Qin Zhen's newly built world collapsed once again, and from then on, she dared not trust love again! Many people passed through her life. But wounded and scarred, she could not find her final resting place. Time reversed, life cycled, and unexpectedly, she returned to the Song Dynasty and met Zhao Gou.

Qin Zhen took a deep breath and silently said to his pale face in the mirror, "I don't need to be afraid anymore. He is the man I have been waiting for for two lifetimes!"

Joyful sounds filled the entire palace, and everywhere was a scene of blooming flowers. Thousands of palace servants were busy running around with happy faces. Qin Zhen watched as happiness gradually filled his heart.

Following ancestral custom, Qin Zhen performed a series of grand rites, and finally saw Zhao Gou, adorned in dragon robes, standing smiling before the palace gates, gently extending his hand to her and saying, "Come, let's do it together."

Okay, let's do it together.

Qin Zhen gazed at him with deep affection. She placed her hand in Zhao Gou's palm, and the emperor and empress walked hand in hand into the solemn and joyous hall, finally reaching the threshold of happiness!

After a long and busy day, Qin Zhen was utterly exhausted after all the rituals in the bridal chamber were completed. Zhao Gou looked at the beads of sweat on Qin Zhen's nose, then turned to look at the several large red candles in the room, and gently stroked her cheek, saying, "Are you hot?"

How could she not be hot? It was the height of summer in July, and she was wearing so many layers of clothing that she was already soaked with sweat. She hadn't been dry all day, and now the heat from the candle made her almost dizzy.

Seeing that she was not feeling well, Zhao Gou held her shoulder and asked with concern, "Are you feeling unwell? Lie down and rest. I'll call the imperial physician right away."

Qin Zhen grabbed his hand and said, "I'll be fine after lying down for a while. Don't call the imperial physician; it's not good."

As she requested, Zhao Gou helped her remove her headdress and several outer garments before setting her to bed. Qin Zhen watched Zhao Gou personally tend to her needs, even pouring her tea and feeding her. Recalling events from her past life, she couldn't help but burst into tears. Zhao Gou asked in alarm, "Why are you crying? Did I make you suffer today?"

Qin Zhen shook her head, choked with sobs, and suddenly wrapped her arms around Zhao Gou's neck, burying her head in his shoulder, refusing to let go for a long time. Her usual cheerful and joyful facade crumbled at that moment; her long-standing loneliness and wounded heart was suddenly unearthed by memories, exposed to Zhao Gou's care. Zhao Gou's kindness towards her had always surrounded her, transparent like glass, unseen in ordinary times. Now, viewed from a different perspective, it shone like dazzling crystal.

Zhao Gou held Qin Zhen in his arms as if she were a child, and let her gradually fall asleep.

In the middle of the night, a cool summer breeze blew in through the windowpane, and Qin Zhen suddenly woke up to find herself lying in Zhao Gou's arms, her eyes blurry with tears. She looked up and saw Zhao Gou, fully clothed, leaning against the headboard, fast asleep; he had had a very busy day.

Qin Zhen tenderly raised her hand and touched Zhao Gou's cheek.

They woke up, gazed into each other's eyes with deep affection, and both smiled.

“Zhao Gou,” Qin Zhen called out. Zhao Gou looked at her, indicating that he was listening, so Qin Zhen continued, “Today I recalled many sad things from the past, and only after comparing them did I realize that you are the best person to me in this world, besides my master.”

"A painful past?" Zhao Gou asked, puzzled. "We've known each other since we were six years old. What painful past do you have that I don't know about?"

Qin Zhen said softly, "It's a story from my past life... In my past life, I had a tragic fate, lost my family, and was deceived and betrayed by my lover, living a lonely life..."

Seeing the sorrowful expression on her face, Zhao Gou felt a pang of heartache. He tightened his grip on her arm and said, "The past is gone. In this life, I will stay with you forever, never to be separated, and I will never deceive or betray you..."

Qin Zhen nodded gratefully and excitedly in her arms, thinking, "This is the real chance Heaven has given me to be reborn; I must cherish it." She then heard Zhao Gou say, "I can't remember what my past life was like, but I pray that not only in this life, but also in the next, I will be with you, for all eternity..."

"Life after life, life after life," Qin Zhen murmured, her happiness beyond compare. Zhao Gou's tender and profound gaze enveloped Qin Zhen, and when his passionate lips pressed down on hers, she had no strength left to resist. A night of blissful passion ensued…

Qin Zhen awoke as cicadas chirped in the trees. She was alone on the large, soft dragon bed. She stirred slightly, and the palace maids outside the window noticed. One maid greeted her, "Greetings, Your Majesty the Empress."

Qin Zhen lifted the curtain and peeked out, asking, "What time is it? Have my people from the palace arrived yet?"

The palace maid replied, "Your Majesty, it is already three-quarters past Chen Shi (7:45 AM). Your Majesty's sister Wanqiu is already waiting outside. Would you like me to call her in to serve you?"

Qin Zhen nodded to her as she went to call Wan Qiu, while complaining shyly, "Why is it so late and no one has called me?"

Another palace maid said, "Before His Majesty left, he instructed that Your Highness had worked hard last night and should sleep as long as she wanted, and that I should not wake you."

Qin Zhen's face flushed, and she felt weak and achy all over, making her face burn even more. Fortunately, Wan Qiu arrived at that moment. She immediately said, "Wan Qiu, quickly help me wash and change. We still need to pay our respects to the Empress Dowagers. It's already so late, we need to hurry."

While instructing the palace maids behind her to fetch water and clothes, Wanqiu said, "Your Majesty, there is no need to panic. Empress Dowager Wei sent word at Chenshi (7-9 AM) that if Your Majesty is feeling unwell, you should not go over. Your health is of utmost importance."

Empress Dowager Wei's words made Qin Zhen feel ashamed. Even in ordinary families, on the first day of marriage, the bride should pay her respects to her mother-in-law. How could she be so lazy as to sleep in? So she quickened her pace and, after getting ready, led Wanqiu and the others to Empress Dowager Wei's Longde Palace.

On the way, Qin Zhen suddenly thought of Zhao Gou again and asked Wanqiu, "When did the Emperor leave?"

Wanqiu said, "I heard from people in the Emperor's palace that he left before dawn."

Qin Zhen stopped and looked directly at Wan Qiu, asking, "Is there something you're hiding from me?" Otherwise, why would Zhao Gou leave in such a hurry on the first day of their marriage?

Wanqiu quickly knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty's wedding has been taking place these past few days. Since you haven't asked about it, I haven't dared to bring it up, which is why I haven't reported it yet."

"What exactly happened?"

“A month ago, the Western Xia Kingdom stationed a large number of troops along the border. The Emperor urgently dispatched a large number of troops to defend it. Yesterday, they took advantage of the Emperor’s wedding to provoke and cause trouble, and the war has already begun.”

Qin Zhen felt a chill run down her spine; the Western Xia were indeed restless. After hastily paying her respects to Empress Dowager Wei and Empress Dowager Zheng, she changed her route and headed to the Zichen Palace, where Zhao Gou handled state affairs.

She saw Liu Qi, the commander of the Imperial Guards, in front of the palace and asked, "Is His Majesty handling state affairs inside?"

When Liu Qi saw Qin Zhen dressed as the Empress, he was taken aback, perhaps because he was not used to her new image. He then quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the Emperor and the ministers of the Privy Council are inside discussing state affairs."

Qin Zhen nodded and said, "Then I will go to the side hall to wait for the Emperor. If you have time, please inform him for me."

"yes."

Qin Zhen had only taken a few steps when Liu Qi caught up and said, "This humble general will escort Her Highness to the side hall."

As the two walked, Liu Qi whispered to Qin Zhen from behind, "This morning, Her Majesty's brother and General Han both rushed to the northwest frontier and were unable to bid farewell to Her Majesty. They asked me to convey their message."

"Thank you for your trouble, General Han." Qin Zhen nodded slightly. They had arrived at the side hall, and Han Shizhong was just leaving when Qin Zhen suddenly asked him, "Where is the envoy sent by Western Xia to congratulate the wedding?" (Emperor's Conquest 140: Uncle and Nephew Meet)

Qi knew that Zhao Gou would not use the "empress dowager interfering in politics" decree to restrain Qin Zhen, so she told her, "The imperial guards have already surrounded the post station and are waiting for the emperor's decision."

"When two countries are at war, envoys should not be killed. Let's not make things too difficult for them."

Liu Qi accepted the order and withdrew.

Qin Zhen waited in the side hall for the time it takes to drink two cups of tea before Zhao Gou arrived. Seeing Qin Zhen walk towards him, he wrapped his arms around her, gently kissed her forehead, and said, "Why didn't you sleep a little longer?"

Qin Zhen pushed him away and said, "How can you be so shameless in front of so many people... Besides, it's already noon, how can you possibly sleep?"

The palace maids and eunuchs around them retreated or bowed their heads as if they were alone. No wonder Zhao Gou was not afraid of being seen by others.

"I heard that the Western Xia have launched an attack?"

Zhao Gou was not surprised; it was normal for Qin Zhen to know about this. He nodded and said with some disdain, "What wolfish ambitions! They say my throne is illegitimate, and they're even using the pretext of avenging my brother. They have no relatives or friends here. How can they even say that?"

Qin Zhen suddenly had a plan and said, "The late emperor disappeared in Liaodong and was captured by the cavalry of the Western Xia who were aiding the Jin Dynasty. If we can find evidence, then the Western Xia will be the murderers of the late emperor. Their reason for going to war will naturally fall apart, and they will lose the support of the people. What else do they want?"

Zhao Gou nodded approvingly and said, "That is a good plan. Although it cannot subdue the enemy without fighting, it can at least make them have no legitimate reason to fight. It's just that the evidence is not easy to find."

"You forgot? Go ask my father. He's been working with the traitors within Western Xia for years; he might have some evidence. Besides, we can make good use of the Western Xia envoys we've detained. Think about it: the Western Xia emperor launched a reckless attack without considering their lives. He either wanted to use them as pawns or he was certain they could escape safely. Now that they've been captured, his assumptions are definitely wrong. In other words, those envoys certainly don't like the Western Xia emperor and can be used by us."

Zhao Gou clapped his hands and praised, "My son is truly clever, a female Zhuge Liang! You don't know, just now a few old guys in the Privy Council were clamoring to kill the Western Xia envoy in order to demoralize Western Xia, and I couldn't persuade them no matter what I said. Now that's good, I will immediately send a persuader to the post station."

Zhao Gou nodded, took a few steps, then turned back and quickly kissed Qin Zhen deeply, as if she were a precious treasure. Only when Qin Zhen started glaring at him did he hurriedly go to attend to his business. Qin Zhen, realizing it was lunchtime, finally remembered she should return to her Yuxiu Palace for her meal.

After a quick lunch, Qin Zhen took a short nap. Upon waking, she sat there for a while, then suddenly remembered something and asked Wanqiu to bring Fan Nianjing to the palace. She had been busy lately and hadn't seen the child for over ten days. Although she knew her senior brother and Li Shishi wouldn't mistreat him, she was still worried and wanted to see Fan Nianjing as much as possible before they left the capital for Lin'an.

Upon hearing the order, Wanqiu suddenly remembered something else and said, "Lord Fan is also in the palace today."

Qin Zhen was surprised, but didn't ask any further questions. She simply said, "Bring the child here first."

Wanqiu, carrying the Empress's token, quickly brought Fan Nianjing into the palace. Although Fan Nianjing had limited knowledge of the outside world, he was extremely intelligent. Over the past few days, he had become aware of many things and had a comprehensive understanding of Qin Zhen's rise to the position of Empress.

When he stood in front of Qin Zhen, he hesitated for a moment and then actually called her "Your Majesty the Empress," which made Qin Zhen a little annoyed.