The Beauties of the Cold Palace A Subtle and Alluring Woman

Chapter 23

I am still looking around.

Darkness turned his hair white.

I hold my torch tightly

He came, and I said to myself.

I'm not afraid, I love him very much.

...

I've always loved Faye Wong's "The Other Shore Flower".

What was seen went out

The disappeared ones were remembered.

As she was singing with great enthusiasm, a burst of applause suddenly rang out behind her, followed by an extremely sarcastic voice: "Little sister, you have quite the leisure, but I wonder if you'll still be in the mood to continue singing after seeing this."

I looked up at the sound and saw Consort Wang, Consort Wang, and a whole host of other concubines, both high and low. I don't like socializing, and I was immediately overwhelmed by the sight of so many beautiful women. I didn't recognize a single one of them. I wondered what they wanted with all this commotion at my Jiu Nian Pavilion.

Since I was confused, I obediently asked, "Ladies, what can I do for you?"

Consort Wang seemed to be able to step aside a little, and I saw Yunying cowering behind her with her head down. I asked in surprise, "Yunying, what are you doing there? I was wondering where you'd been all morning. But—" I still looked at the women, some with sinister expressions and others with gloating expressions, puzzled.

Before I could finish speaking, Wang Dieyi strode forward angrily, throwing the rag dolls and talismans she was holding in front of me. Then, she sneered, "You vicious woman! You used sorcery to bewitch the Emperor, and that wasn't enough; you even tried to harm us with curses! Humph, if Yunying hadn't stood up for you, you witch, we might have been killed long ago!" With that, she rushed forward and shoved me, causing me to stumble and fall to the ground. Huan Shuangshuang, who had been silent behind me, quickly pulled her back as she was about to kick me.

Wang Dieyi was still roaring, "You woman, I'm going to make sure you—..."

Everyone stared at me with disdain. But I was completely oblivious, just staring blankly at Yunying, who was bowing her head in remorse. After a long while, she seemed to have mustered all her courage to raise her head and say to me, "Master, it is Yunying who has wronged you. But I really can't bear to see you harm these masters. I'm sorry."

I was taken aback. I thought she was going to explain to me, give me a reason, but—everyone's gaze turned fierce again, and even the usually composed Consort Wang had a hint of anger lingering around her face.

I was oblivious and stubbornly asked her, "Why, why—" Even though I had blamed her for spying on me and was unhappy that she did things for the head of the family, it was all because I cared about her.

She wasn't looking at me. Only Xiao Quanzi behind her was furious and shouted at her, "You ungrateful person! The master treats you like his own brother and sister. How dare you frame the master!" He was about to rush forward to argue with her, but he was quickly grabbed by the other eunuchs who came with him. He struggled to break free, but he still cursed her angrily.

"What are you doing—Master! Master..." Xiao Quanzi saw two burly men walking towards me. He looked at me anxiously and shouted.

As he was speaking, the eunuch next to him grabbed him and slapped him hard twice.

My heart ached, and I looked at these women with a cold gaze. Finally, I said coldly, "Let him go, and I'll go with you."

A chill ran through me, and I quickly lowered my head, my expression timid, trembling with fear. When I looked up again, my eyes were already brimming with tears.

Consort Wang was clearly frightened by my cold gaze earlier, and was momentarily stunned. But seeing my timid and cowardly appearance, she came to her senses and realized it was just her imagination. Finally, seeing that we had made a scene, she said calmly, "Take her away."

I obediently stood up and followed them, lest they tie me up like a dumpling. Only then did I know I had calmed down. Although Yunying's words had almost made me faint from the pain, a sliver of hope still lingered in my heart. Perhaps she had some unavoidable reason for doing this, I comforted myself.

For me to believe that Yunying, who grew up with me, would betray me, I would have to die.

Looking at Wang Dieyi, who was almost going crazy, did she really think I was such a vicious woman? No way! In modern times, using witchcraft and curses is considered feudal superstition. Who would be foolish enough to think that some random talisman could scare someone?

I'm from the 21st century! Why would I use such low-level methods to get back at them? I could just experiment on them with the poisons that old man taught me—completely undetected, guaranteed to make them wish they were dead. They've seriously underestimated my intelligence. I laughed inwardly a few times.

I don't know what other lines or evidence they've prepared, but I find it incredibly boring. Although it's stupid, I admit that if they have both witnesses and physical evidence, I'm going to be in serious trouble in this ancient palace—a lot of trouble. You know, this kind of thing is strictly forbidden in the palace; if it blows up, I could lose my life.

Regardless, saving one's life is the top priority.

As I reached the entrance of Jiu Nian Xuan, I turned to check on Xiao Quanzi, but instead, I met Yu Ya's gaze. She looked at me with a sorrowful expression, her eyes filled with guilt and sadness. Was it because she hadn't stood up for me? That silly girl, I didn't want to drag her down with me. After glancing at her again to make sure Xiao Quanzi was alright, I felt relieved.

Hmph, what a boring harem, what boring women in the harem.

Volume 2, Chapter 41: Aizen

Along the way, I looked at my clothes and accessories with satisfaction. To be honest, it was really tiring, but—I really wanted to see what Sima-ge's expression would be when he saw me dressed like this. However, this outfit was really heavy.

From head to toe, I was dressed in a gaudy, mercenary outfit, adorned with all the gold and silver hairpins and ornaments he had recently bestowed upon me. Gilded kingfisher-feather flower basket earrings. A kingfisher-feather inlaid jewel hairpin. Gold filigree with kingfisher feathers, silver inlaid with gemstones, gold engraving, jade carving. Gold, silver, jade, kingfisher feathers, tortoiseshell, pearls, gemstones. Jadeite, pearls, coral. He piled every imaginable thing on my body and head. Like a country bumpkin seeing these treasures for the first time, utterly vulgar.

However, I am very satisfied with the result.

"I'll only ask you one question: did you do it?" the man asked coldly, sitting there imposingly.

I stood there, looking at him calmly: "I just want to hear, does Your Majesty believe it or not?"

"How dare you! You don't even kneel before the Emperor!" A fierce old woman stepped forward, lifted me up, and forced me to kneel on the ground. I remained silent and obediently fulfilled her wish.

I gazed at that aloof yet unfamiliar man. He once said I didn't need to kneel, no one needed to kneel. Now—humph, I knew he was using me as a substitute for An Jin. Although both were myself, the bitterness welling up in my chest was inexplicable. When we were brothers, I told him, "An Jin, I will never kneel before anyone in this life, unless An Jin is willing." But, hah, I chuckled self-deprecatingly. Now I'm not An Jin, I'm Xie Weiying. My words no longer hold true.

Consort Huan only stayed with Consort Wang for a short while before asking the Emperor for leave. It was the first time I had ever seen Brother Sima smile so sincerely at his concubine. He granted her request and reminded her to take good care of herself.

I know it's true. Could it be that Brother Sima has fallen in love with her? Does Brother Sima have someone he loves? Just thinking about this makes my heart feel heavy, and I even feel a dull ache.

My dear aunt sat high above the emperor, looking at me as if she didn't recognize me at all. How cold! Is this the law of survival of the fittest in the palace?

"My beloved concubine," he suddenly said gently, looking at Consort Wang sitting beside him. My heart sank. I couldn't help but care that he had so many women. "Tell me what you know."

Consort Wang smiled charmingly, waved to Yunying who was standing silently to the side with her head down, and then turned to the Emperor respectfully and said, "Your Majesty, it was this servant who discovered it. She is Consort Xie's personal maid, so what she says is naturally true. Yunying, quickly tell me everything you know."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Yunying knelt on the ground in fear. "Your Majesty, I saw it with my own eyes. Consort Jieyu was secretly practicing witchcraft, attempting to," Yunying glanced at me fearfully, "attempt to harm the ladies."

I'm speechless.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty—please do me justice… This servant can’t take it anymore—Waaah…" Yunying suddenly burst into tears, choking back sobs with great grievance, “Your Highness, Your Majesty, Consort Jie often takes her anger out on me when she’s unhappy, either beating or scolding me… Consort Jie sent away all the palace maids and eunuchs because she didn’t want anyone to know, especially when Consort Jie was ill, she would beat and scold me whenever she was unhappy…” By the end, Yunying was too sad to speak anymore.

"This servant has repeatedly advised Consort Jieyu not to harm the masters, but Consort Jieyu slapped me several times, saying that I was ungrateful. She even starved me for several days to teach me a lesson. This servant really doesn't want anything to happen to the masters—this servant—" As she spoke, Yunying suddenly collapsed to the ground and burst into tears.

If the person she was talking about wasn't me, I would definitely feel deep sympathy for her and might even shed a few tears of pity. Damn it, her acting was superb! Where are the Oscar judges? I want to appeal, I want to make suggestions, I want to report this! Such a good actress is right here, and no one is even giving her the Oscar for Best Actress! She acted so well!

The ladies and beauties present were all deeply moved and touched by Yunying's heartfelt performance, and some even shed a few tears. Some covered their faces with handkerchiefs and sobbed softly.

I was the only one who kept my head down, trying so hard to hold back my laughter that I almost choked. If I laughed out loud, I would die. It wasn't because I was trying so hard to hold it in that my whole body was shaking violently, but to others, that would look like I was trembling with fear, or shaking from crying.

“Raise your head.”

I held my breath, turning my face red, and forced the tears from my eyes out, then looked up with a pitiful expression.

Sima Rui, unwilling to give up, looked again at the woman who resembled Xiao Jin, trying to find a resemblance in her, but there was none, not even a trace. The tears streaming down her face, the fear in her eyes, the trembling all over her body—like a rabbit caught in the act of hunting, she was terrified. His An Jin wouldn't be like this. He would only stand up, loudly mock these foolish women, he would only look at them disdainfully, and then walk away with contempt. Sima Rui knew that Xie Weiying wouldn't, and wouldn't, harm anyone. Those women were simply resentful of the inexplicable favor shown to her recently. In truth, Sima Rui himself didn't know why he was unusually doting on one person. His consistent principle was to maintain the balance of the harem.

Sima Rui frowned again as he looked at the worldly woman, adorned with jewels and eager to wear everything he had given her. A bitter feeling welled up inside him. His Xiao Jin wouldn't be like that. Although she was generous, she always seemed indifferent to gold, silver, and rare treasures after the initial curiosity, appearing completely unmoved as if they had nothing to do with him.

Sima Rui felt a surge of anger, thinking of her face, which resembled Xiao Jin's but was completely different from his own, as if she were someone else entirely. He couldn't help but blame her for ruining her beautiful appearance, and his face immediately darkened.

Xiao Jin, Xiao Jin, where are you?!

Disturbed by his emotions, Sima Rui failed to notice the person kneeling on the ground. Besides tears, their eyes held a hint of coldness, disdain, helplessness, and heartache. If he weren't so consumed by his obsession with An Jin, and if his mind weren't clear, he would surely have seen through the illusion. But—

Seeing that the emperor remained silent for a long time, the concubines assumed that he was bewitched by this vixen and could not bear to punish her. So they added fuel to the fire, saying, "Your Majesty, I saw with my own eyes that Consort Xie was going in and out of the back garden alone, acting mysteriously. At that time, we wondered what she was doing, but now we know— Waaah…Your Majesty, such a vicious woman, you must do justice for us."

Upon hearing this, I couldn't help but roll my eyes. How careless of me to have been seen by her at Mi House! It must have been during the first time I got lost; you know, I used to scale walls and roofs there so easily, she couldn't possibly see me. Wait, since I recognized her voice, then, Brother Sima— I looked up in a flustered panic. Sure enough, he was looking at me with an inscrutable expression. Seeing my panic, a sinister smile crept across his lips. I hoped he wouldn't remember anything. I quickly lowered my head respectfully, adopting a deferential posture.

Miyu?! Sima Rui looked at the somewhat panicked girl in her eyes, and for some reason, he couldn't help but think of the ordinary palace maid he had seen in Miyu that night. He wouldn't normally pay attention to an ordinary palace maid, but even Li Jiu spoke of the little palace maid he had discussed the Three Kingdoms with with such admiration, and considering her clear, bright eyes that night, he remembered that palace maid. But what did that have to do with her? What did that special little palace maid have to do with this panicked, cowardly woman who would even betray her own maid?

Sima Rui felt a surge of irritation. She couldn't hear what the women around her were saying, as they were constantly babble and listing her crimes.

All I could think was, she's not Xiao Jin, she's not Xiao Jin?!

"Your Majesty—Your Majesty, spare me... Your Majesty, I'm innocent—" I pinched my thigh hard, forcing myself to cry, looking like a madwoman. Sima Rui's disgust deepened.

Just then, Yu Ya, who had been hiding in the back, suddenly stepped forward, knelt down in front of the emperor, and said tremblingly, "Your Majesty, Sister Ying has always been gentle and kind-hearted. I believe she would not do such an unforgivable crime. Please investigate thoroughly, Your Majesty."

It seemed strange that someone would dare to plead for mercy at this critical moment, so Sima Rui couldn't help but glance at her. What was her name? Sima Rui thought for a moment, oh, it was Ya Ya, the one who ate vegetarian food and chanted Buddhist scriptures with Consort Huan. Although this woman was a bit silly, she had a good heart.

I looked at Ya Ya with some emotion, and she looked back at me with heartache. For a moment, our eyes met. I knew that she must have understood the gratitude in my eyes, as well as the scolding I gave her for being silly. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been grinning at that moment.

"Enough!" Sima Rui shouted impatiently. "You are confined for three months. Without my order, you are not to step out of Jiu Nian Xuan. If you violate this rule again, you will be severely punished." He then walked away coldly before anyone could react, without glancing back once.

The beauties all stared at each other, dumbfounded. Only I stood up easily, smiled at them, completely unfazed by my earlier panic, waved to them, and said, "Sisters, Wei Ying will be going back now to carry out the Emperor's decree. Goodbye."

Reaching the door, he turned back to Yunying and said, "I don't know why you did this, but if you want to come back, Jiu Nian Xuan will still be open for you." Then he left without looking back.

When I returned to Jiu Nian Xuan, Xiao Quanzi was still lying in the courtyard, crying incessantly. His little face was covered in tears, and I could hear him sobbing so hard he was hiccuping. I felt a pang of heartache. This palace, he truly cared for me, didn't he? When those people came earlier, I signaled to Xiao Bai to hide, and now it was obediently beside him, licking his face with its tongue. Xiao Bai must have understood how good he was to me; otherwise, given its coldness and dislike for others, it would never have done this.

I went over and helped him up. After all, he was only 12 years old. When he saw that I was alright, he immediately hugged me and started crying.

“Master, Master, you’re alright, you’re alright—” he said, his voice choked with emotion.

I gently stroked his stiff back to dispel his panic and worry.

I wiped away his tears and looked at his adorable, kitten-like face. I couldn't help but laugh and say, "You're such a grown man, and you're still crying. Aren't you ashamed?"

He smiled sheepishly, his face turning bright red, and stammered, "I...I'm worried...worried about Master."

"Silly boy," yet another silly boy. I hugged him, pulled him up, and laughed, "Go take a shower and change your clothes. I'll take you to a fun place." I winked at him mischievously.

He looked at his disheveled appearance and ran away as fast as he could.

Hehe, after he left, I picked up Xiaobai and went back to my room to change my clothes and take a hot bath. Sigh, these clothes are really tiring.

Finally, I had Xiao Quanzi change into a set of ordinary pageboy clothes, and I also disguised myself a little, changing into a white man's shirt. Although Xiao Quanzi was so frightened when I came out that he froze on the ground, I was still very satisfied with my scholar look.

"Remember, when you go out, don't call me master, and definitely don't call me young lady. Call me young master." I poked his dazed forehead to bring him back to his senses.

Picking up Xiaobai (I didn't want to bring this troublesome little thing, but I couldn't resist his pitiful eyes, so I had no choice...), I and Xiao Quanzi turned left and right until we arrived at Luoshuang Palace. This was the cold palace in the imperial palace, and also the closest place to the outside. We only needed to climb over a high wall to reach the outside.

While Xiao Quanzi was still staring blankly at the high wall, I took advantage of his momentary lapse in attention, grabbed him by the collar, and in a leap, I arrived in a completely different world from the palace.

All the way, little Quanzi followed behind me, looking around curiously. Right, ever since he was sold to the palace to be a eunuch when he was five, he hadn't been outside. Children are always overly curious about new things. I let him be.

The fashion show I'm taking Xiao Quanzi to is the most sensational event in Jiankang City ever. All the dignitaries are fighting tooth and nail for a VIP seat; prices have skyrocketed to over 50 times their original price. Gangs are even fighting every few days for a decent seat… I'm not exaggerating! How could such a modern event exist in this era? It's naturally the masterpiece of Junjin Manor, the number one manor in the world, and naturally, it was my suggestion. A fashion show! A super-exciting, open-air fashion show in ancient times! So many classical beauties wearing my designs, walking with the catwalk I taught them, gracefully strolling down the stage, attracting the attention of every man. I can't wait for that scene, that ethereal, breathtaking beauty!

Thinking about this, I couldn't help but feel a little smug. However, this trip has also stirred up quite a bit of trouble! I regret it…

Volume 2, Chapter 42: Counterfeits

Walking down the street, it was bustling and lively, unlike any other day. Crowds thronged around us, and Xiao Quanzi and I were jostled about. But after spending so much time in the inner palace, seeing so many people was still a pleasant surprise.

The Yuan Dynasty poet Hu Yonghe wrote in his suite of songs, "Pink Butterfly; Inscription on the Scenery of Jinling": "The people are dense, the things are abundant, and the scenery is extraordinary. It is truly a land where fish and dragons can transform."

The area is densely populated and thriving. This description is truly fitting.

The streets and alleys were ablaze with lights and bustling with activity. I could hardly believe that "Junjin" had achieved such a prominent position in the eyes of the world. All along the way, I heard people discussing the upcoming fashion show. Frankly, I was also very excited, because I wanted to see Junjin reach even greater heights. Although Junjin's clothing and fabric industries are now unparalleled, I still want to see it become even stronger. For Junjin, I am merely a behind-the-scenes boss and planner. Firstly, my status prevents me from appearing in public; secondly, as Xie Weiying, I have entered the palace as a concubine, so naturally I cannot manage the business single-handedly—I cannot be in two places at once.

However, these practical reasons that kept me hidden from the public eye became the excuse for rumors circulating among the petty elites of the martial arts world. This is how my mystery came about. The notion that Jin Shao is a legendary figure in the martial arts world and in the eyes of the public leaves me feeling helpless. Actually, I'm in a state of confusion myself. Deep down, I hope Brother Sima will recognize me, even though he'll hate me for deceiving him. But rationally and emotionally, I don't want him to recognize me at all. Imagine spending my whole life in the harem, competing with a group of two-faced women for a man who is destined not to belong to me alone—is that what I want? Whether it's Xie Weiying or An Jin, I hope to live in a wider world.

As I walked, I pondered whether my unusual behavior over the past few days and everything I had done was worthwhile. Suddenly, the people around me erupted in excitement, all running joyfully in one direction. In an instant, it was a chaotic jostling, and I couldn't react in time, nearly falling over in the throes of the crowd. Luckily, Xiao Quanzi was right beside me, quickly catching me. Surprised, I hastily grabbed a passerby and asked, "Excuse me, what happened up ahead?"

He stared at me in disbelief. "Young master, don't you know? Tonight, Young Master Jin from Junjin Manor is coming to Changmo Tower. Everyone's eager to catch a glimpse of him. I have to go now." Before I could ask the question that had been bothering me, he quickly disappeared into the crowd.

Young Master Jin has graced "Changmo Tower" with his presence?! While I find this amusing, I'm perfectly fine here; how could I possibly be visiting Changmo Tower tonight?! Strange—Changmo Tower is a prestigious establishment in Jiankang, on par with Yichun Garden. Both are favorite haunts of Jiankang's nobility, frequented by people of high status and wealth. They've become symbols of wealth and prestige. However, there's a slight difference. One is a high-class brothel, famous for its women, while the other is a restaurant, renowned for its various delicacies. Pengju Tower is similar to both. But unlike Changmo Tower, which is snobbish and only caters to the wealthy and nobility, Pengju Tower welcomes all without fear and boasts an elegant layout. Unlike the other two, which are simply overflowing with money—incomparably magnificent!

Just as I was wondering how this imposter Jin Shao had suddenly appeared, I saw Xiao Quanzi happily licking a candied hawthorn, looking expectantly at the crowd, then at me. I knew his little curiosity had been piqued. Well, it's still early for the fashion show, and besides, we have nowhere else to go, why not go and meet this fake Jin Shao?

I'm always a person of my word; I do what I think. Soon enough, I dragged Xiao Quanzi towards Changmo Tower. Brother Sima used to take me and Sister Danyi there for drinks, but after a few times, I felt it was full of hypocritical and boring people. In the end, I preferred Pengju Tower, where we first met. The decorations there were more luxurious, the atmosphere more grand, even surpassing Pengju Tower. Of course, the prices were still shockingly high. Luckily, I had prepared a few days in advance, otherwise, let alone seeing that fake Jin Shao, I wouldn't even have had a chance to step inside—those money-grubbing bastards!

When we got there, I dragged Xiao Quanzi, who was too naive to go upstairs, up to the VIP building. I figured that fake Jin Shao must be up there! The outside was packed with people who had somehow gotten wind of the situation. It took Xiao Quanzi and me a lot of effort to break through the crowd and get in. Most of these people were ordinary citizens who didn't have enough money to get into Changmo Tower, so they could only wait outside. This scene reminded me of when superstars in modern times make their entrances, they're surrounded by so many crazy fans.

I know they came to see Jin Shao out of gratitude. Jun Jin has made a lot of money these past few years; I can't possibly be sleeping with a fortune all to myself! Because it's just starting out, the poverty relief fund we've established isn't very mature yet, but Xiao Qi told me it has already helped many poor families and many down-on-their-luck people. They must have received Jun Jin's kindness in the past.