The Beauties of the Cold Palace A Subtle and Alluring Woman

Chapter 26

The moon was high in the sky, and the autumn night was slightly cool. His mood was strangely pleasant again. Unlike usual, he went in without announcing himself.

The dimly lit courtyard was faintly visible in the bright moonlight, and only a single lamp shone warmly from a window in the quiet space. Sima Rui walked over naturally, and as he approached, he heard voices and couldn't help but stop and listen—

"Master, it's getting late, you should rest now."

"Alright, alright, stop nagging. Xiao Quanzi, why are you even noisier than Yunying?"

"Master, don't compare me to that traitor!" Xiao Quanzi said angrily.

I looked up in surprise and said, "Xiao Quanzi, you're using idioms now!" Seeing that he was about to get angry and ignore me, I smiled and said, "I was wrong, I was just joking. Don't blame her, Yunying has her reasons for doing this. I believe her."

"You're so soft-hearted. Master, change your clothes, or your white robes will turn into colorful ones."

I looked down at my clothes and saw that they were indeed getting dirty. Yunying always reminded me to change before I painted, but since she wasn't here, I naturally wouldn't remember. I suppose Xiao Quanzi noticed.

I put down my paintbrush, took off my outer garment, and put on my usual long, loose black robe. Taking advantage of this free time, Xiao Quanzi came closer to look at my painting and asked in surprise, "Eh?! Master, what are you painting?"

I covered my mouth and chuckled, "This is called a comic. How so? A comic is a way of recording stories, like weaving real-life things into a story using a special drawing style and specific characters. It's like the short stories, autobiographies, or history books that some people are starting to write now. But comics are much more vivid. Look, this is Consort Wang, this is Consort Huan, and those other beautiful concubines. And look, this is the Emperor. Usually, artists draw realistically, but I draw them through my imagination. Aren't these cartoon characters adorable?" I said to myself, looking down. I really liked these drawings more and more. Anyway, I'm bored all day in the palace, so I might as well find some fun to pass the time. I'm planning to publish a serialized comic called "The Affairs of Women in the Harem." Since they all happened around me, I'm not worried about not having material. Besides, Junjin Manor always does things unpredictably, so it's sure to be a bestseller when it's serialized.

The first two episodes are finished now. After a few more episodes, I can get Xiaoqi to start packaging them. In ancient times, my comics will be a bestseller! Just thinking about it makes me excited!

Just as I was wondering why Xiao Quanzi had suddenly become so quiet, I turned around and called out to him, "Xiao Quanzi, you—ah?! The Emperor!" I stared in astonishment at the Emperor, who had come to visit in the dead of night. When had he arrived?! Had he heard everything I said? I had even forgotten to bow. Luckily, he didn't pursue the matter.

"What interesting thing are you looking at? Let me see it too."

As I backed away, I stuffed all the drawing paper into the drawer. I smiled awkwardly at him and said, "No, it's nothing."

He didn't say anything, but walked straight behind me and saw a table full of drawing papers. Fortunately, the design drawings and comics were gone. What was left on the table were just sketches and doodles that I had drawn when I had nothing to do.

He picked up a painting of pear blossoms and examined it closely. With his back to me, he said, "I heard that your aunt, Consort Xie, was once hailed as the most talented woman in Jiankang. I wonder if you have any objections?" Before I could answer, he suddenly turned to me and said, "My dear consort, isn't it strange? A few days ago, I went on an incognito trip and unexpectedly saw a figure that looked remarkably like you. Tell me, how could my consort have run away from the palace without permission? I think I must have been mistaken. What do you think, my dear consort?"

Volume 2, Chapter 46: Warm Colors

"Step back." He glanced at Xiao Quanzi, who, seeing me nod, knelt down and stepped back.

At that moment, it was just the two of us in the room.

A chill ran down my spine under his ambiguous gaze, but I forced myself to remain calm. I knew that if I showed the slightest awkwardness or evasiveness, he would see through me. Knowing him, I knew his ability to read people was far from incompetent. Just like how pathetic he was as emperor in the eyes of the world, I knew he wasn't. He wasn't that incompetent. When we were organizing the fashion show, Xiao Qi reminded me that the master of the secret door was the master of the palace, Emperor Sima Rui! Actually, when we became sworn brothers, I knew that neither of them were ordinary people, but I never expected that one was the only princess of the Xianbei Yan Kingdom, and the other was even more extraordinary—the man in front of me, the ruler of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Sima Rui.

I don't know if the secret door looking for me means it's looking for An Jin. Sometimes I can't tell if the person in front of me is the real Sima Rui, or if the Sima Langya who calls me brother is the real Sima Rui!

After a long silence, I smiled faintly and said, "Your Majesty has asked me so many questions at once, I really can't remember them all. Please allow me to answer them one by one."

"My aunt's title of First Talented Woman is naturally due to fairness and her genuine talent. I, Wei Ying, would not and dare not have any objections. That is the first point. His Majesty also said that it is impossible for any of your concubines to leave the palace without permission, as that would be a violation of palace rules. Therefore, I dare to speculate that His Majesty may have seen someone with a similar figure to me. That is the second point."

"Is that so?" he asked casually, but I knew he probably didn't really believe me. But I didn't care. I'd already been grounded for six months, so I didn't mind going on for a little longer.

Now that he's gradually seen through my true nature, I don't need to always pretend to be a delicate and pitiful young lady. Of course, I'll still have to pretend occasionally, like now. One day, I will leave this place.

He looked through my sketches one by one and praised, "Your drawings are very good, lifelike and exquisite. What I especially like is that the paintings capture both form and spirit; you have captured the soul of those things. They are a thousand times, a hundred times better than those painters who paint realistically but whose faces and eyes are devoid of any spirit."

"Is that so?" Suddenly realizing I shouldn't have said that, I bowed respectfully and thanked Your Majesty, saying, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your praise."

He came over, helped me up, and then stared at my neck, lost in thought, before noticing my slightly exposed cleavage. Although I was wearing a thick, black silk robe over my clothes, underneath I was only wearing a sexy white silk nightgown, which I had personally designed for my own comfort at night. Now, it had become the trigger for his unusual behavior.

I watched as his gaze deepened, revealing the most primal human desires. A chill ran down my spine; could he be—

I took a few steps back, and he walked over, his eyes unfocused, as if he were looking at me, yet also as if he wasn't. "Your Majesty—Your Majesty—"

However, before I could finish speaking, my lips were sealed. My eyes widened, I shook my head, and struggled. The once gentle kiss became domineering and brutal as I struggled to break free. Just kidding, although I'd been serving him for a month, it was with "preparation." I didn't want anything to happen between us under these circumstances.

I forced myself to remain calm, steeled myself, and bit his lip hard, halting Sima Rui's advance. He looked up in pain, his gaze even more profound, his pupils unfathomable. I stammered, "Your Majesty, I...I haven't bathed yet—"

He only frowned slightly before leaning down to kiss my lips, his touch even stronger. He forced my teeth open and plunged in, his tongue entwining with mine amidst the metallic taste of blood. My shoulders were held captive, unable to break free, my hands placed above my head, my knuckles turning white as I struggled.

Finally, he raised his head and looked at my slightly swollen red lips. After a while, his gaze moved down again, looking at my fair neck and slightly exposed breasts, lost in thought.

"Wait, Your Majesty, please let me go—ah—" My fear hadn't even had a chance to subside—

His hand had moved to my collar, and with a gentle flick, my coat fell to the ground, revealing me in a sexy white silk slip dress. Usually, when I know he's coming, I dress very formally and appropriately, but today—I never expected him to come so suddenly.

Soon, my soft, tender breasts were fully revealed against the backdrop of my bright red bodice. Sima Rui's gaze deepened.

Damn it! Why did I try to look good and follow local customs? Why did I wear a red bellyband under my white silk dress?!

His hand paused, his gaze sharpened in an instant, and before I could even gasp, my sexy nightgown was gone, falling to the ground in two pieces.

With a gentle tug, my red bodice was torn off in the next instant, and Sima Rui placed one hand on my full breasts.

"No—" The coldness on my chest brought my fear to its peak.

Grandma's twisted dough sticks. I couldn't help but curse under my breath.

Just as I was thinking about how to escape, my body was suddenly lifted into the air. Oh my God! Before I could finish speaking, I was thrown onto my bed in my room, a makeshift bed I had made specifically for resting after painting. It was more like a sofa bed.

"Don't you want it?" Sima Rui narrowed his eyes dangerously, a hint of red in them, a sign of desire. Under my panicked gaze, he pulled down my underwear. "Tonight, you are mine." With that, Sima Rui stood up and began to undress himself.

Taking advantage of the lull, I didn't care whether I was completely naked or not, and I got up and ran.

To be precise, I ran to the side, to my dressing table. Standing before the large bronze mirror, seeing my completely naked self, I suddenly calmed down. Looking at the box of rouge, I smiled contentedly.

Just then, a pair of large, thick hands grasped my ample breasts, and I stopped resisting.

I picked up the rouge I always used, smiled slightly at him behind me, and in the dim candlelight, that smile became delicate and charming. I said, "Your Majesty, am I beautiful?"

The person behind him paused slightly, but did not stop their wandering hands.

He kissed my earlobe and whispered, "You are beautiful, my little Jin."

When I heard this, I knew his delusions had started again. I didn't argue with him, but turned around and kissed his thin lips, my eyes staring blankly at the ground beside me. After a long while, I whispered, "Your Majesty." I took his hand and walked into the inner room, my voice hoarse, "Whether I am her or not, I am willing to be her substitute."

His gaze was unfocused, but his eyes burned with desire, as if he hadn't heard what I was saying. His eyes were lifeless, and he gently stroked my cheek with one hand, closed his eyes, and my lips were lightly covered, tender and lingering.

Dream of love, a dream that is not love, yet resembles love.

Flowers are not flowers, mist is not mist, dreams are not dreams. The night grew chilly, and I gazed at his sleeping face in a daze. After a long while, I murmured, "Sweet dreams."

Is everything ready?

"Ready, Your Majesty."

"Although the Emperor is showing signs of losing favor with her, we must remove any obstacles that are not guaranteed. Besides, I can't be sure if she's someone the old man sent to do things. In any case, I don't want to see her again."

"Don't worry, I'll make sure she remembers it in a really good way."

"Hopefully she will be grateful to us."

"But I wonder if she'll have the chance to express her gratitude."

“Hehe,” she chuckled coquettishly, then lightly kissed the man’s lips, but in an instant her eyes turned fierce and dangerous: “One day, I will make him pay the price for everything he has done.”

The man's gaze turned cold, but he still held her tightly, gently stroking her back, and said in a chilling voice, "I will make him regret everything he did. Believe me. It's all in the past, all in the past."

"Yes. We'll be together forever, right?"

"yes."

"Xiao Qi, it's been a long time."

Mai Qi bowed: "Young Master."

I picked up Little White and stroked his fluffy white fur: "The success of the fashion show is all thanks to you. By the way, how much did you earn?"

"Thirty million taels of gold. There are also four pre-booked deals exceeding five million taels each. Would you like to review the other smaller deals, young master?"

"You can decide."

"Yes, young master."

"The plush toy and stuffed animal business is doing alright. And how's my comic coming along?"

"As you predicted, young master, business is going very well. Now, the children from wealthy families are obsessed with these things. Also, regarding the story you mentioned, young master, I've already negotiated with the printer about publishing the comics, but the result wasn't ideal. They weren't satisfied with the profits they were entitled to, so I bought his shop at a high price."

I chuckled. This was exactly the kind of tactic he was used to: "You did a good job. There's no need to be lenient with those who are greedy and insatiable." I smiled at him and said, "You know it wasn't easy for me to come all this way. Perhaps it's time for Xiao Qi to know the truth."

I turned to look at him. "My name is both An Jin and Xie Weiying." I handed him Xiaobai, who reluctantly went over. "Xie Weiying is the fourth daughter of Xie Shi, the Right Chancellor of the current dynasty, and is now a concubine in the harem. You must have guessed it, but you haven't verified it yourself." Under his astonished gaze, I removed my disguise, even the one on my Adam's apple, revealing my true appearance.

"Why is your mouth so big? It's not bad looking, is it?" I turned around, showing off a little. Actually, I was just trying to lighten the mood.

His face flushed, and he stammered, "Little Seven thought, thought Young Master was just someone who worked in the palace, but I never expected, I never expected Young Master to be a woman."

My expression turned slightly cold as I said, "Remember, An Jin will always be a man. I'm telling you the truth today only because you are family I trust. Xiao Qi won't let me down, will he?"

"Yes, young master. Xiao Qi will always follow you."

I took Little White in my arms, and it sighed contentedly. The little thing had completely adapted to being able to laze around comfortably in my arms. I continued, "Little Seven, these past few years have been tough on you all by yourself. But don't worry, I'll give you more companions. You'll know whether you can trust them or not as long as you see the jade seal I gave them on their bodies."

He suddenly looked up at me, his eyes burning with fervor, and said with delight, "Thank you, Young Master."

Sigh... He must have been so lonely all these years.

"Xiao Qi, I said I would be back soon, and I will be back naturally. I never fail to keep my word. The emperor's woman? I doubt my nature would allow me to be confined to that boring place."

Looking at her master enveloped in a strange, pure white light, Mai Qi felt that for a moment, she resembled a fairy. Or rather, a mischievous little fairy who had secretly descended to earth for fun, as if she might leave at any moment. Although she was still somewhat unaccustomed to her young master suddenly becoming a woman, she had long harbored suspicions. However, due to her unconditional trust in him, she hadn't pursued the matter further. The owner of that "secret door," even though the young master was right beside him, what had blinded him completely? He hadn't seen her at all and was still investigating Junjin Manor. Fortunately, the young master had always been low-key, and almost no one knew who "Young Master Jin" was.

The young master's ingenious ideas are always unprecedented. No one can replace the young master in his heart. No one can hurt the young master. As long as he, the Vermilion Bird King, is here, he will protect this "home" for the young master. Junjin belongs to the young master! Mai Qi secretly vowed.

Volume 2, Chapter 47: A Light Journey

"Cough cough..." Strange, I've been coughing non-stop since I woke up this morning.

It was already late spring, but it still felt very cold. I shivered and resignedly went back inside to get a coat to put on. As soon as I stepped out, I saw Xiao Quanzi sweeping the yard. It really felt strange without Yunying.

As soon as Xiao Quanzi saw me, he asked in surprise, "Master, why is your face so pale? Did you catch a cold last night?"

No, I covered myself with a thick blanket last night. Could it be that I kicked off the blanket in the middle of the night? But Yunying has been taking care of me for so long and has never said that I kick off the blanket at night. On the contrary, I always sleep very quietly, and I often can't even hear my breathing.

Just as I was wondering, Little White snuggled into my arms. As usual, he quickly found a comfortable position and was about to fall asleep peacefully when suddenly his white fur began to change color, turning into a light pink. He was startled and looked up at me with worry in his eyes. I was also shocked. How could this be? How could he be poisoned?

When the old man gave me Little White, he told me that Little White was an ancient divine beast, naturally different from others. Its divine power lay in its ability to sense danger and poison around it. If its master was poisoned, Little White's fur would slowly turn red as it approached; the deeper the red, the more severe the poisoning. If it turned blackish-red, then the person was beyond saving. Looking at its slightly reddish fur, a chill ran through me. When had it been poisoned? No wonder I had been dizzy and feverish all night, didn't sleep well, and today had started having a headache, weakness, and a cough. I carefully considered the food and drinks I had consumed from yesterday to today.

There was nothing special about it. Xiao Quanzi, the Emperor, and I ate the same thing. I cooked yesterday myself, and the Emperor dined with me. Afterwards, he praised how delicious it was and said he wanted to dine with me today. Wait, yesterday Yunying also sent lotus seed soup, and Ya Ya sent dessert. They are all people close to me, so I naturally didn't suspect anything and ate them all. Could it be? How could that be?

Thinking of the evasive look in Yunying's eyes, my heart ached, and I didn't want to think about it anymore.

I shook my head, glancing at Xiao Quanzi's worried gaze. Without a word, I quietly carried Xiao Bai back to the inner room. Sitting on the bed, I began to circulate my internal energy to expel the poison.

"Ouch—" I spat out a mouthful of black blood onto the ground. My head was spinning. If I held on a little longer, the poison would be expelled. I didn't know who had poisoned me. The amount was small and the toxicity wasn't great, but if I was poisoned several times in a row, I would die.

Just as they were about to force out the last bit of poison, Xiao Quanzi's voice suddenly came from outside the door: "This servant greets Your Majesty."

I was startled. The lingering poison in my chest suddenly spread throughout my body, and a mouthful of blood welled up in my throat, which I swallowed whole. I quickly got up and put on my coat.

I stepped out of the inner room and saw Sima Rui walking towards me in a golden robe with two dragons swirling around him. I wiped the blood from my lips and greeted him with a bright smile, as if nothing had happened: "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to Your Majesty."

He came over and helped me up. "My beloved concubine, please rise."

I stood up. The sunlight was so strong today; it made me a little dizzy. Seeing my pale face, he said anxiously, "Yingying, are you feeling unwell? I'll have the imperial physician examine you! Someone—"