The Beauties of the Cold Palace A Subtle and Alluring Woman

Chapter 36

Only her youthful beauty has faded.

How much sorrow can one have?

Just like a river of spring water flowing eastward!

..."

I sang softly, not wanting my sleeplessness to affect others.

I quietly opened my half-closed eyes, and in the dazed look in them, I saw the sorrowful face of Su Da standing on the opposite side of the roof. She stood below, gazing at me silently, and the melancholy and sadness in her eyes made her face even more moving, more alluring, and even more heartbreaking.

I looked at her from a distance and mouthed, "Fool."

I knew she understood. Because I saw a faint smile flash across her face.

So beautiful. Just like Li Yu's poem "Yu Meiren".

Volume 2, Chapter 65: Hibiscus Teases

Gradually, I came to realize that the reason Su Da was able to live so consciously in the cold palace until now was because she didn't love the emperor at all. Since she didn't love him, she naturally wouldn't get hurt, wouldn't have any expectations, wouldn't go crazy with longing, wouldn't choose to become stupid and forget everything because of despair, and wouldn't deceive herself and live in the past forever.

Her entry into the palace was entirely a sacrifice for her family's interests. She had no desire for favor, nor did she want to please anyone, much less compete with those women for the emperor's affections. However, her captivating and alluring beauty became the fuse that ignited the trouble. No man can remain indifferent to beauty beside him, let alone a proud and icy beauty. She was a challenge that no man could withstand, let alone the most esteemed emperor.

Clearly, the emperor failed to conquer this ice queen, because she remained unmoved. Su Da was framed and banished to the cold palace shortly before I entered the palace.

Finally, one day, as she had been coldly watching me take care of those concubines, she sneered, "These foolish women! The emperor already has someone he loves. What are they still dreaming about? Not to mention them, even those concubines who think they are favored, I think they are utterly pathetic. The emperor has never liked the women in this palace. Humph, a bunch of idiots."

I froze, and after a long pause, I mustered the courage to whisper, "So, do you know who it is?"

She turned to look at me. "Who?! You mean the person the emperor loves?" She sneered a few times before finally speaking, "During the time those bored women thought I was favored, the emperor never touched me at all. He just summoned me every day, made me lie in bed, and drank wine, reciting poems whose names I don't know. I always remember one line: 'Heaven has endowed me with talents, which will surely be put to use; though a thousand pieces of gold are spent, they will return.' I suppose the one he loves is the one who recited that poem. What I did was merely a cover-up, but those women thought I had gained the emperor's favor and tried every means to..."

I didn't hear anything she said after that. My mind was blank, and it was just buzzing. It was so uncomfortable.

I staggered back a few steps. My face was deathly pale.

Everyone has their own unique talents, and even if I spend all my money, it will come back again.

Haha, how ridiculous! How ironic! Is the one he can't forget An Jin, who's always called him brother? Has he always? But why can't he see An Jin, who is Xie Weiying? Why hurt me like this? My heart is already scarred, I'm tired, I don't want to struggle anymore. Everything is settled, isn't it? I should spend the rest of my life here. An Jin, what are you still hoping for? Shouldn't you be embracing the spirit of a weed, taking root and sprouting here, and making the most of your life?

"What's wrong with you?" She looked at me with concern, for the first time letting down her guard and her mockery.

I shook my head, turned away dejectedly. I need to rest. It must be the exhaustion from the past few days of hard work; that must be it, there's no other reason.

I lay quietly on the bed, closed my eyes, and a single tear slowly rolled down my cheek. My heart ached terribly. My chest felt so suffocating. I pressed hard against my chest, and the old wound throbbed again. Perhaps I should see Qingci; perhaps he could cure this ailment. My thoughts wandered aimlessly. Then I drifted into a deep sleep.

As the ancients said: "Open your drunken eyes and gaze at Penglai, half of it is shrouded in mist, and half of it is buried in clouds."

As for me, two or three years have passed in a dream. The past is intoxicating, but it also intoxicates the heart. Half of my heart is ashes, and the other half awaits life.

I told myself: Don't be afraid of the shadows; they just mean that there is light nearby.

The moon shines softly and gently in the tranquil sky, casting a beautiful glow; the twinkling stars hanging on this backdrop seem to dance in the melody of the night; in the desolate night, the occasional chirping of insects stirs the strings of the night.

I stood by the window, lost in thought for a long time, my mind a jumble, not knowing where I had drifted off to.

"Young Master," Xiao Qi greeted softly.

My brain suddenly jolted, and I turned to look at Xiaoqi, somewhat dazed. I don't know why, but lately I've been spacing out more and more often. Even when I'm not thinking about anything, I keep drifting off into daydreams.

She gave an awkward smile, nodded at him, and said, "Xiao Qi, long time no see. How are you?"

Xiao Qi smiled faintly. The once naive boy had transformed into a quiet and reserved mature man. I looked at Xiao Qi, who was now a head taller than me, and felt a sense of relief.

"Your subordinate and everyone in Junjin are eagerly awaiting your return, young master," he said respectfully, bowing.

I went over and helped him up. "Xiao Qi, I miss you all too, but I don't know what's wrong with me. It's like I left something somewhere and I have to find it before I can go home."

Xiaoqi looked at me with a puzzled expression.

I shook my head, smiled easily, and said happily, "Let's not talk about these troublesome things. Xiao Qi, tell me about Jun Jin's recent situation."

“Yes.” He nodded. “The comic book is a bestseller. Although the court has threatened to ban it, it hasn’t stopped the demand. Even the high-ranking officials and nobles in the capital have started to follow suit. Those nobles with many wives and concubines are circulating these comics among them, constantly warning those who think they can outsmart the situation and cause trouble. Their schemes and tricks have become a laughing stock in your book, trivial and insignificant. Naturally, no one will try to use their cleverness to cause trouble. The men have also started paying attention to the struggles between women and are looking for ways to get along harmoniously. Now everyone is eager to read it, and even the court can’t control it. In addition, my subordinates have bribed the relevant officials, so there won’t be any trouble. You can do whatever you want, young master. As for other businesses,” Xiao Qi smiled confidently, “you don’t need to worry at all. However, there is one thing—”

I raised an eyebrow, indicating that he didn't have to do this every day, and that he could just keep talking.

He frowned slightly: "Recently, there have been some bad rumors in the martial arts world, saying that Jun Jin has a close relationship with Yi Zhu Zhu. Many people with ulterior motives have begun to organize an alliance to denounce Jun Jin. In my opinion, it must be those people with ulterior motives who are instigating trouble and trying to take advantage of Jun Jin."

My gaze turned cold: "Find out who they are, and then tell me. I'll make sure those people never have a chance to utter another word."

"Yes, I understand." Xiao Qi's expression also tightened.

“By the way,” I took out a piece of paper from my sleeve and handed it to him, “Prepare these things and transport them into the palace. As long as you find Yunying, you can bring them to me. Remember, do not alert anyone. Everything must be done in secret.”

He took it without hesitation, carefully put it away, and didn't ask why. Over the years, what has made me happiest is his nature—his absolute trust and obedience, never asking many questions. He simply does everything diligently.

That's probably why I trust him.

Thinking of his kindness, I couldn't help but smile slightly: "Xiao Qi, do you know why I came today?"

He looked puzzled and shook his head reflexively.

"Idiot," I tapped his head lightly, "Are you so busy that you forgot your own birthday?"

He was taken aback for a moment, and looking at his adorable, chubby face, I pulled him along, saying, "I made a cake to celebrate your birthday! Come on, let's go find Qingci and Auntie to celebrate together. I also prepared a gift; go see if you like it!"

He let me hold his hand for a long time, his eyes reddening slightly, and he choked out, "Thank you, young master, Xiao Qi."

"Silly boy, why are you thanking me? We're family, and family members should love and care for each other." I gazed at him: "Xiao Qi, you've done so much for me."

His face was moved, and he said with tears of joy, "Xiao Qi did it all willingly."

I looked at him, moved, and said, "It's because of you that I feel I owe you so much. Xiao Qi, you will definitely be happy. Believe me."

He answered earnestly, "I believe." He had always believed. He had always firmly believed that someone like the young master would definitely be happy in the future.

When we arrived at Xiaoqi's mother's room, Mai's mother and Qingci were already inside. We went over with smiles, and Qingci smiled back at us, a perfect understanding between us.

I lit 20 candles, happily taught them to sing the birthday song, and then urged Xiaoqi to make a wish. After she made her wish, she started blowing out the candles.

I will never know that Xiao Qi's wish was: no matter what price I have to pay, no matter what happens in the future, I will always be here to protect the young master and make him happy forever.

Mother Mai's slightly weathered face was now beaming with a smile—a smile of relief and happiness. Because she had such an outstanding son. I hugged the kind and gentle Mother Mai, who had always been so good to me, and whispered in her ear, "Thank you, Mother Mai, for bringing such a wonderful person into my life. Thank you."

Mother Mai hugged me back and smiled kindly: "Silly girl, why are you talking like an outsider? I should also thank you on behalf of Qi'er. If he hadn't met you, how could he be where he is today?"

Qingci, who had been smiling and watching us the whole time, said gently, "On such a happy day, let's not talk about unhappy things. Come and try the young master's cooking."

Volume 2, Chapter 66: Lonely Lament

On the way back, Qingci and I walked quietly through the deserted streets, the cold wind blowing gently, ruffling my hair.

"Qingci, I don't know why, but my chest always hurts. I don't know why?"

He was somewhat surprised: "Wasn't it healed a long time ago? How could this be—" He pondered for a moment, then hesitated and said: "Your ribs were broken when you were kicked, and they punctured your internal organs, but they haven't healed yet. So, any stimulation will compress the bones in your chest, causing pain. You should keep a relaxed and cheerful mood, and also, don't let your emotions fluctuate too much."

I nodded silently. "Don't let your emotions get too strong?" Does that mean you shouldn't laugh too loudly or cry too much?

"How's the clinic going? Is the takeover going smoothly?" I asked casually.

"It's alright, thank you for your concern, young master," he replied earnestly.

I chuckled and said, "You don't need to be so reserved. Although I am your master, I have always treated you as family."

"Qingci knows."

“Oh, right,” I added, “in your spare time, concoct antidotes for all sorts of poisons, especially the poisons that the women in the palace are good at using. Even though I’m in the Cold Palace now, nobody can predict the future, and I don’t want to die a violent death someday.” I complained.

He chuckled softly, "Yes. Qingci knows."

"What are you laughing at? Your medicine has to be very effective, preferably able to bring the dead back to life, otherwise I'll be dead before I can even call for help." I joked seriously.

Finally, he sighed dramatically, "Alas, I hope my days in this cold palace will be peaceful enough."

"Qingci will definitely protect the young master's safety," he said solemnly.

I patted him on the shoulder and said in a cheeky tone, "Relax, relax. I was just joking. I'm not anyone special, why would so many people bother me? I don't have that kind of charm."

Qingci thought to herself: How could this be? You've always been so special, it's impossible not to attract attention. But seeing me happily swaying back and forth in front of her, she ultimately said nothing.

Back at the palace, I didn't enter openly through the main gate like Qingci; I took a back alley and climbed over the wall. But I was already used to it.

The task I had instructed Xiao Qi to complete was confirmed a few days later when the items were gradually transported into Luoshuang Palace. Large bolts of fabric were also delivered. Life was now much more leisurely than before. Besides drawing designs, I started making things myself, mostly modern clothes: dresses, white shirts, jeans, little dresses, Qing Dynasty cheongsams, European Rococo pleated skirts… you name it. Luoshuang Palace was considered the most sinister place in the harem, but I didn't have to worry about anyone disturbing me here. Those women wouldn't come here to cause me trouble; besides, I posed no threat to them whatsoever now.

Of course, the most important thing is to take care of this palace that has been neglected for many years. To be honest, it's much bigger and more magnificent than Jiu Nian Xuan, but that will have to wait until I've properly cleaned and decorated it. Home design and decoration were compulsory courses for me in modern university, and now they're coming in handy again.

I had Xiaoqi prepare many flower seeds: roses, peonies, magnolias, cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, chrysanthemums, oleanders, Chinese roses, lotuses… The dried-up pond is now refilled with water, and I've planted lotuses. Next year, I hope it will look like it did years ago. I've cleared away all the weeds, withered branches, and rotten leaves from the abandoned garden and planted all sorts of flowers. Every day, I scrub the palace, the hall, the master's quarters, the corridors—I don't miss a single corner. I want to make it fresh and bright, just like a modern home. After watching me do this for over a month, Su Da joined me. She's certainly a true ice queen; even though we've become friends, she remains silent, aloof, and unapproachable. But I'm thick-skinned enough to withstand it. Hehe.

I designed and decorated the rooms in different styles according to the numbers and the personalities of those crazy empresses. Each empress's room has a different style, perhaps dominated by pale yellow, or sky blue, or pink, vibrant green, mysterious purple, festive red, or black and white. It has a very light and serene feel. However, I emphasized that each person's room should be elegant and refined. Suda's room is purple; I felt that purple's nobility and pride suited her.

As the Frostfall Palace grew more beautiful and pristine each day, Su Da's gaze towards me deepened, but I paid no heed.

When she hesitated to speak, I would pat her on the shoulder and say in a refined manner, "We are both wanderers in this world, why should we need to have known each other before?" I knew she had too many questions. But I myself didn't know where to begin.

Since life here was boring, I found a lot of ways to amuse myself. I adapted all the poems I could remember into songs, and I also dug out all the modern songs I remembered. To avoid constantly forgetting them, I specially compiled a collection based on my memory, which contained all the songs I sang during this period. Every seven days, I would invite all the ladies to the courtyard, have them sit in their assigned seats according to their numbers, and then I would begin my performance. I enjoyed this game immensely. I would wear the modern dress I had just made, either sitting quietly playing and singing, or having Xiao Quanzi play some tunes while I danced in my dress, dancing as I pleased, doing whatever I wanted. After Xiao Quanzi's really poor playing, Su Da, who had been watching my childish behavior with indifference, could no longer tolerate it and finally took over Xiao Quanzi's task of accompanying me. It's true that women in ancient times were proficient in all the arts, especially before entering the palace, when they had mastered every skill imaginable to attract the emperor's attention.

Suda and I, one playing the instrument, the other dancing, were enjoying ourselves immensely. Gradually, a faint smile appeared on her face as she looked at me. I was always the one happily laughing and dancing on stage, while she played along to my rhythm, smiling as she watched my dance.

This spiritual connection reminds me of a duet I had with someone long ago, playing the qin and xiao together. How happy and carefree we were then. We lived simply in our own world, oblivious to others, to worldly concerns, and to reality.

After each performance, I would personally cook a lot of pastries to share with these unfortunate women. Watching their innocent, happy smiles, I would also smile happily, my smile radiant and dazzling. Sitting opposite me, Suda, her face softening as she watched my silly grin, suddenly leaned in and, while I was still stunned, gently licked away the cream that had accidentally gotten on the corner of my mouth with her cherry-like tongue.

I was so startled by her that I stood there frozen. Seeing my reaction, she, who rarely showed any emotion, burst into laughter. She was overjoyed, like a child who had stolen candy.

I watched her laugh, and I grinned foolishly along with her.

Isn't this the harmonious and happy scene I want to see? Let them forget their grief, forget their painful past, forget that seemingly gentle but actually distant and cold man. Let them, even those who have been abandoned, find happiness and hope to live on. Isn't this exactly what I've been striving for?

"Alright," I put down the cake, jumped onto the little platform I'd built myself, cleared my throat a few times, and said with a smile, "Now, shall we have our Lady Su Da perform for everyone? Let's give her a warm welcome!" As I spoke, I led the clapping, and Xiao Quanzi enthusiastically joined in. The dazed ladies below also clapped a few times in a daze.

Suda looked at me coldly, as if she were watching a good show, and said to me, "I can't sing."

I grabbed her arm in a flattering manner: "Yes, of course you can! Don't be shy. We won't laugh at you even if you sing terribly. It's just your natural talent, it's not your fault. Trust me, no one here will laugh at you."

Her face darkened slightly, and after a long silence, she finally gritted her teeth and said, "How do you know I sing badly?"

I chuckled inwardly, but still said matter-of-factly, "You're being all coy here. What else could it be but that you sing terribly, are tone-deaf, and are afraid of scaring us? Do you think you sing really well?" I stared at her with wide eyes, feigning disbelief.

She finally said in silence, "Fine, I don't want to be told I'm tone-deaf."

She took a guqin from her room, sat down on the floor, and a melodious sound slowly emerged:

Darkening gaze,

The slender shadows of plum blossoms outside the window slant obliquely.

The wild goose rises and falls,

The flower in the back garden is broken.