The Beauties of the Cold Palace A Subtle and Alluring Woman

Chapter 25

That night, Xiao Quanzi and I got separated. It wasn't until later, when the crowd had dispersed a bit, that I found Xiao Quanzi crying and searching for me everywhere near the venue. He was still just a child; he was terrified when he realized his master was missing. As I led him away, from afar, I saw Xiao Qi standing on the high stage, dressed in a blue robe, quietly watching me. Her gaze was so calm it broke my heart. I don't know if it was just my imagination, but through the thick smoke after the fireworks, I felt that her gaze held a hint of pain and sorrow.

With a heavy heart, she turned and left, waving goodbye to him. "Xiao Qi, forgive me. For the sake of our family's peaceful life, let me resolve everything before we fight side by side again!"

On the way back, I was rather silent, perhaps because of the fleeting fireworks. As I was leading Xiao Quanzi through the winding alleyways, a voice suddenly sounded behind me—

"Ying'er, is that you?"

I was startled when I heard it, and my body froze, unable to move. That familiar voice... it had been so long since I'd heard it.

However, I calmly turned around and said to Huan Wen, "Young master, you have mistaken me for someone else."

To my surprise, he smiled charmingly, making his already pretty face appear even more radiant. He gentlemanly shook the fan in his hand (I looked at the fan with some disappointment; to be honest, I was imitating his playboy look today, but my imitation was definitely not as good as the real thing), and stared into my eyes, saying, "At first, I wasn't sure if it was you, after all—" He paused, a pang of pain in his eyes, but quickly smiled happily again, "But, hearing your excuse, it's exactly the same as what you said when you were exposed in disguise before, and you haven't changed much today. I know it's you, Ying'er."

I knew I couldn't pretend anymore, so I just shrugged and said, "Huan Wen, long time no see. You're still as dashing and debonair as ever. You're here to pick up women at this fashion show, aren't you?" I couldn't resist teasing him.

To my surprise, he didn't laugh. He just looked at me very seriously, then abandoned his usual carefree attitude, strode over, and before I could react, he hugged me tightly, so tightly that I could hardly breathe.

He held that position for a long time, and I stood there, stunned, letting him hold me like that.

"Ying'er, I miss you so much." I don't know if I misheard, but his tone sounded like he was in pain and helpless. We've always been teasing and joking with each other. What's wrong with him today?

I pushed him away forcefully, and he was choking me so tightly that I could hardly breathe. I managed to say, "Let go of me, I... I can't breathe."

Seeing that he still didn't react, I punched him in the stomach. He cried out in pain, released me, and took a few steps back. As he groaned, I was free and quickly took a deep breath. I was a little out of breath and just kept coughing.

He gave me a wicked smile and said nonchalantly, "Still the same as before, rude, and merciless in your punches."

I gasped for breath and said, "That's what you deserve. You wanted to strangle me, didn't you?"

He leaned closer and affectionately put his arm around my shoulder, saying in a sickeningly sweet tone, "How could I bear to let Ying'er suffer?" But his expression turned cold at the end.

He turned my shoulder and asked me with extreme seriousness, "Ying'er, you're not having a good time in the palace, are you? I heard from them that the Emperor doesn't favor you at all, he just abandons you there and doesn't care about you. Ying'er, I'm so sorry, so sorry. If I knew, I—"

I looked at him strangely. What he said was too exaggerated. Although I had been left out by the emperor, it was of my own free will. I didn't want to feel hopeless in such a despicable way when my brother Sima and I found out about each other.

"If I had known you were having a hard time, I would never have given up on you back then—" I couldn't understand a word he was saying.

"Ying'er, leave the palace and come with me. Let's escape to a place where no one knows us. Ying'er, let's travel to the ends of the earth together."

I understand. I broke free from his grip, calmly looking into his red eyes, and said earnestly, "Huan Wen, I'm doing well. I don't know how you heard those bad rumors, but I'm fine, really fine. Thank you for your concern, but I'm not like other women; I can take care of myself. You don't need to worry. Really, you don't need to worry. It's getting late, you know," I looked at him playfully, but he didn't smile, continuing, "I sneaked out; if I didn't go back soon, I'd be in big trouble if they found out." Besides, I can't forget that figure; I always feel uneasy, wondering what might happen. Did Brother Sima see me?

I waved goodbye to him.

He didn't stop me. After walking a few steps, he suddenly asked from behind in that nonchalant tone, "Ying'er, do you really want to be one of the emperor's millions of women? That's not you."

I stumbled, and if Xiao Quanzi hadn't been there to catch me, I probably would have fallen to the ground.

The world only knows Huan Wen, the Sixth Prince, as an idle and dissolute playboy. No one knows that he possesses a keen eye for understanding people and an unfathomable cunning. Otherwise, he wouldn't have used the guise of an ordinary wealthy young man to conceal his true nature; otherwise, how could he have later become a great general?

I didn't turn around. But I knew he had already seen through me.

This guy... I clenched my fists tightly. Why didn't he show up? He just showed up and hit me right where it hurts!

Ever since that day I was falsely accused of practicing witchcraft, I've felt like I've been banished to the cold palace in Jiu Nian Xuan. However, this also proves that the Emperor never loved Xie Weiying, not even giving me the most basic trust. But I should be grateful he didn't confiscate my property or exterminate my entire clan. Actually, I wasn't even sure if he saw through those women's farce. What saddened me was that after that day, Yunying went to Yi Lai Palace to serve Consort Wang. Yunying has always been clever, skillful, and understanding. Soon, Xiao Quanzi came to tell me that she had become a favorite of the Consort. When she said this, Xiao Quanzi looked indignant and wanted to stand up for me. I smiled faintly. I was genuinely happy for her. After all, serving the Consort is better than serving me, her master who's always causing trouble!

I made breakfast, ate a few bland bites, and then lost interest.

After dinner, I took Xiao Quanzi for a walk. Because of the ban, I could only sneak out.

I probably only get to visit the Imperial Garden once a month, but I guess I'm just unlucky. Even with that tiny 3% chance, I still managed to run into the arrogant Consort Wang and her entourage. Consort Wang led the way, followed by a bunch of other concubines I'd only met once or twice, or even never before. In this harem, Consort Wang is said to be the most fond of forming cliques and engaging in favoritism. Since returning from outside, I've been constantly worried that Brother Sima will question me. But strangely, he hasn't appeared at Jiu Nian Xuan these past few days. So now everyone in the palace says that this "sly fox" has fallen out of favor. Little Quanzi's anger is practically setting Jiu Nian Xuan ablaze. So young, yet she hasn't learned the art of deceit, hasn't learned to wear a thousand masks; she's still innocently genuine, quite adorable.

I was trying to avoid those women to avoid getting into trouble, but my modesty was clearly not to their liking.

Before he could even take a step, a cold, impolite female voice said, "Stop! How can you not kneel before the Imperial Concubine?"

I withdrew my foot, put on a slightly obsequious smile, walked over, bowed, and said, "Wei Ying greets all the elder sisters. I didn't see you earlier, please forgive me."

Before I could even react, a fierce-looking old woman suddenly walked up behind me and kicked me in the knee. I stumbled and fell to the ground in a sorry state, my icy expression hidden from view. I clenched my fingers so tightly that my nails almost dug into the flesh of my palms.

At this moment, the old woman said fiercely, "Today I'll teach you how to properly bow when you want to pay your respects."

The group of women watching the spectacle around them covered their mouths and giggled. Their laughter was incredibly charming!

A woman of some beauty walked over and pointed disdainfully at my cheap white clothes, mocking, "Look, look at our Jieyu sister, this is something she picked up from some palace maid's room."

A few more snickers rippled through the crowd. The women here really know how to kick someone when they're down. Knowing I'm out of favor, they dare to humiliate me like this.

Xiao Quanzi behind me was completely terrified. She ran over to help me up and stared at these people fiercely like a wounded little animal.

I released his support and stood up straight, coldly staring at the woman who had just mocked my outfit. She was wearing a design from Junjin from last year. No wonder; Junjin's best clothes were supplied to the wealthy and powerful. This woman probably couldn't afford the new styles and was trying to humiliate me with outdated clothing. Looking at the gloating women, including Consort Wang, they were all wearing Junjin clothes. For the past few years, Junjin had been in charge of the palace's clothing. These women spent their days comparing who wore Junjin clothes, who wore the latest styles, and who wore limited editions!

I saw Yunying, who was silently following behind me, looking at me with heartache in her eyes. Her lips moved as if she wanted to say something, and I knew she wanted to say that I had designed all those clothes myself, so naturally she didn't want to wear them herself. I shook my head at her; there was no need to argue with them. I had no intention of wearing clothes I designed myself every day to show off. I coldly glanced around at them—ignorant women.

Suddenly, that familiar, sharp cry characteristic of the High Continent: "The Emperor has arrived."

Everyone present knelt down to welcome them.

I knelt on the ground, a chill running down my spine—I was doomed.

Sure enough, the Emperor said, "My beloved concubines, please rise."

Consort Wang rushed forward, almost throwing herself into his arms, and said with a pitiful expression, "Your Majesty—"

Sima Rui gently embraced her and asked softly, "Who dares to offend our Imperial Concubine? Tell me, and I will take care of it for you."

She pointed at me rudely and said aggrievedly, "Your Majesty, Consort Xie was supposed to be confined for three months. Today, when I saw her disobey the imperial decree, I reprimanded her a few words. Who knew that when she saw me, she not only didn't bow but also spoke rudely and disrespectfully to me, looking at me with cold eyes. I'm so scared, Your Majesty." She choked up again at the end.

I want to call God. This woman really knows how to stir up trouble.

When the emperor mentioned me, he coldly glanced at me and said, "Who gave you the audacity to disobey my orders?"

I looked at him, and I thought to myself, "Can I say that I've been a little out of it these past few days? Have I forgotten that so-called ban?" I was speechless.

"Get out. I don't want to see you. Don't come out for the next six months." With that, he reached out to embrace Consort Wang and continue strolling in the Imperial Garden.

"Your Majesty," I suddenly cried out. Taking a deep breath, I knelt respectfully, kowtowing with the most earnest gesture I'd ever made, then looked straight at him, my eyes empty, my voice flat and emotionless, and said, "Your Majesty, I know my sins are grave. I beg Your Majesty to demote me to Luoshuang Palace. I will have no complaints." I was tired; I had decided to take this step. Brother Sima, you just let your woman humiliate me like this!

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd; the women were all stunned. Throughout history, had any woman in the imperial harem ever voluntarily requested to be banished to the cold palace? Everyone looked at me with suspicion, wondering if I'd lost my mind! Only I knew how perfectly lucid I was at that moment.

He narrowed his eyes, staring at me dangerously, as if assessing the truthfulness of my words or harboring some ulterior motive. I closed my eyes, letting him scrutinize me. Hah, I just didn't want to face it. Finally, he said coldly, "I forbid it."

He turned and left, leaving me kneeling on the ground, stunned. Didn't he not want to see me? Then why did he forbid me from seeing him, and simply send me to the cold palace...?

Xiao Quanzi crawled over with tears streaming down his face, hugged me as I knelt motionless, and cried out, "Master, what's wrong? Don't scare Xiao Quanzi—"

I pushed him away and stood up calmly. I left the Imperial Garden without looking back.

Volume 2, Chapter 45, Ryoue

I knew the Emperor wouldn't be at Miwu right now. So, in broad daylight, I climbed the wall to find Li Jiu. As soon as I entered, I saw the Crown Prince and his disciple lecturing. I really had no mood to argue with this unruly Crown Prince today, so I lazily entered and said, "Oh, the Crown Prince is here too," before heading straight to my usual corner to sit cross-legged.

Sima Shao was about to speak when I glared at him, and he swallowed his words. I knew he wanted to say, "How dare you not bow before me, the Crown Prince!" The palace rules are truly numerous, but I had no interest in arguing with him today. Since I severely reprimanded him that day, although he still outwardly maintained his arrogant demeanor, a certain respect for me had clearly crept into his expression. I truly miss the feeling of secretly smoking with my fellow disciples in the tavern after finishing my martial arts training in modern times. Although it was only an occasional indulgence, the feeling of relaxation I experienced then is exactly what I need now.

Li Jiu and that little brat talked a lot in my ear, but I just wanted to close my eyes and rest. I lazily said, "Don't bother me. Li Jiu, I'm so tired. Let me sleep for five minutes." I knew they really wanted to ask me what a minute was, but I was too lazy to satisfy their curiosity right now.

I closed my eyes and murmured, "Li Jiu, sing me a song." Knowing he was going to refuse, I emphasized, "Just hum a little bit. Use it as my lullaby."

He actually started humming, it sounded like an adaptation of a Chu Ci poem by Qu Yuan, and it was quite pleasant to listen to. I relaxed completely.

After a short rest, I opened my eyes and glared at the brat: "You little brat, go read your book. Children shouldn't listen to adults."

"I'm not a child anymore, you woman!" Although he said that, under the tyranny of me and Li Jiu, he still obediently continued reading his book.

Li Jiu stood up, and they walked out of the outer courtyard without saying a word.

"What's wrong?"

I smiled faintly and said casually, "It's nothing, it's just that I always come to climb over your wall at night, which has messed up my day and night schedule, and I'm a little tired now."

He had an expression that said, "You're faking it," but he didn't call him out on it.

I stretched lazily in a very unladylike manner. Li Jiu looked like she was about to faint, and was about to say that it was unseemly for a woman to do that, but I cut her off in time, saying, "We've known each other for so long, aren't you used to it yet?" I glanced down at the withered flowers and plants on the ground and continued, "Your courtyard needs a good repair, it's horribly ugly."

He smiled indifferently. Indeed, someone accustomed to a carefree life like him wouldn't care about his own dwelling. At first, I thought this Mi House was an abandoned house. I never imagined it was a villa personally bestowed upon him by the emperor. Because he didn't want palace maids and eunuchs to maintain it, it ended up like this.

"I'm moving soon," I told him.

"Where else can you move to from your remote location?"

I looked at him intently: "Frostfall Palace."

A strange glint flashed in his eyes, and he quickly turned his head, asking softly, "Have you made up your mind?"

"Um."

He laughed, then asked with some confusion, "Wei Ying, sometimes I really don't know if entering the palace was the right or wrong thing for you?"

My gaze was indifferent, and my voice devoid of emotion as I said, "We don't need to delve into things where the outcome is uncertain."

"Your Majesty, these are grapes that I peeled for you myself." Consort Wang leaned against the armrest of the dragon throne, her body seemingly boneless, hoping for a smile from the Emperor.

Sima Rui enjoyed the beauty's favor. After eating fruit, he casually stroked her smooth, black hair, which was filled with the fragrance of flowers, refreshing and invigorating. After observing her carefully for a while, he turned to Wang Dieyi, who sat to his left. In public, she was always cold and aloof, with an air of disdain for complicity. However, Sima Rui knew that if he treated her with extra kindness, she would respond with a smile. This kind of beauty was, of course, also captivating. He reached out and grasped the strands of her hair at the back. The icy beauty smiled gently and leaned closer.

For some reason, looking at these smiling beauties, I suddenly thought of that woman who didn't take the imperial edict seriously. She was usually weak and timid, and always very respectful. She didn't attract my attention at all. Although she was indeed beautiful, there were many beautiful women in the harem!

But that damned woman! Sima Rui's mind kept flashing back to that day, her calm yet pained, contradictory gaze, clearly unwilling, yet offering no defense, clearly begging for mercy, yet instead asking him to demote her to Luoshuang Palace.

Even now, Sima Rui still remembers the fleeting stubbornness, determination, confusion, pain... and the profoundness that even he couldn't comprehend in her eyes.

Where does she get this irresistible power that makes people want to get close to her again and again? She's clearly just a woman who looks like Xiao Jin, to put it bluntly, just a substitute. But why do I start to feel that there's something different about her, but I can't quite put my finger on it—Sima Rui frowned.

Actually, Sima Rui hadn't believed a word the maid Yunying said at first. However, he couldn't forget the day he went to Jiu Nian Xuan to look for her, and from afar he could hear the woman scolding the maid in her room, with occasional crisp slapping sounds. But when he entered, everything changed; the maid's face was slightly flushed, and her eyes glistened with tears. Although Sima Rui hadn't said anything that day, his dislike for her gradually grew. Xiao Jin wouldn't treat people like that. Xiao Jin had said everyone was equal; she treated her young page as a brother, not as a servant. Come to think of it, this maid looked somewhat similar to Xiao Jin's page. Was it just a coincidence?

Later, when those women caused the curse incident again, Sima Rui simply went along with it; he didn't want to see that woman again. It wasn't until the day she knelt on the ground begging to move to Luoshuang Palace that he began to re-evaluate this woman he had favored for a month.

"emperor……"

"What?" Sima Rui snapped out of his daze and lazily glanced at Consort Wang.

"Does Your Majesty think my newly tailored palace dress looks beautiful?"

Sima Rui glanced at it indifferently. It was indeed gorgeous and dazzling, with a perfect cut that fully showed off her enviable figure... This was Jun Jin's outfit, which he had seen at the fashion show that day.

Right, I'd almost forgotten what I'd witnessed that day since returning to the palace. Looks like I'll have to find some time to properly investigate that frail, sickly concubine. Was that person her? If so, why was she disguised as a man?

"It's great, very charming."

"Is that so?" Consort Wang smiled charmingly, "I don't have any suitable jewelry to match yet."

Sima Rui took a sip of wine; in short, he was asking for a reward.

He chuckled and called out, "Gao Lu."

“Your servant is here.” Gao Lu immediately knelt to one side.

"Bring out the gold ornaments and jade artifacts that the Xianbei presented as tribute last month, and bestow rewards upon them according to their rank. Oh, and give the Imperial Concubine my favorite butterfly-shaped jade ring." Hearing the concubines' overjoyed kowtows in gratitude for the Emperor's favor, he merely smiled, walked out of Yilai Palace, waved for them not to follow, and headed straight for the Imperial Garden.

Originally, she wanted to admire the flowers, but when she saw the place where she had knelt that day, her mind completely changed. Unable to control the direction of her legs, she unknowingly walked towards Jiu Nian Xuan.