Construyendo una dinastía de canciones armoniosas

Capítulo 40

Startled, he looked up and saw a handsome man in blue robes staring at him expressionlessly.

"I'm warning you, if I hear you speak ill of her again, you'll regret it!" Sen Han's words seemed to throw this sweltering day into an ice cellar, making people feel a bone-chilling cold from head to toe, as if they had returned to the days of wearing armor and coats.

"Great hero, spare my life... I... I dare not do it again..." The man called Mengzi hurriedly bowed his head and begged for mercy. The man in blue snorted coldly, sheathed his sword, took out a few pieces of silver from his pocket, threw them on the table, and turned to leave.

After confirming that the menacing-looking man had ridden away, the shopkeeper, who had been cowering to one side, shakily ran out and asked Mengzi, "Are you alright?"

Mengzi touched his neck with lingering fear, repeatedly saying, "That was close!"

Si Junxing walked dejectedly through the bustling streets of Yundu. His face was ashen and haggard, clearly showing the hardships he had endured. For days, he had traveled day and night, from Yanliao to Dayang Yundu, a thousand miles, all because he believed his gut feeling: she wasn't dead. She had promised him she would accompany him to every corner of this continent, she had promised him they would live in seclusion in a beautiful countryside, with their child, their family forever together. But now, he was still alone, just like the days when Uncle Lian first left him, gloomy and lonely, always afraid of tomorrow when he would be alone again.

Before coming here, he had already decided that if Lin Suyang was indeed killed by the pursuing soldiers of the vassal state as they said, he would follow her in death, because he could not bear the thought of her disappearing from his life. However, even if he had to die, he wanted to be by her side, so this time, no matter what, he wanted to see her alive or dead.

Even after being away from Yundu for so long, he quickly found the Scholar's Residence. He had stood there for a long time before, remembering a day when it rained heavily. He stood there in the pouring rain, staring blankly at the tightly closed gate. At that time, he always comforted himself by saying that he was only repaying a debt of gratitude, but he never dared to admit that he had fallen in love with her, and that he loved her so deeply. Until later, when he did so many things for her without complaint, until she first took his arm and embraced him, until the red veil fell from his hands, from that moment on, she became his.

His wife, yes, she had long been his wife, but he lost her; he himself left her stranded on the vast, yellow sands of the Gobi Desert.

The vermilion gate before him remained tightly shut, just as it had been before. A few strands of cobwebs hung from the rafters, swaying gently in the breeze. Dust covered the stone steps in front of the gate, giving the scene a somewhat desolate yet undeniably dilapidated appearance. Si Junxing stood at the gate for a while, then turned and left, finding an inconspicuous little inn nearby to stay in.

After inquiring, it was discovered that no one knew who had escorted Lin Suyang's "body" back from the Northwest. News of her murder only spread shortly afterward from the palace. Coincidentally, less than a day after this news broke, Princess Jingyang, Qin Yu, "committed suicide by poison." At the time, besides him, only Lin Ziyan and others knew that Qin Yu had gone to the Northwest with Lin Suyang. But Wei Liang had clearly stated that he had safely delivered Qin Yu to Hedan… safely?

Si Junxing pondered the conversation from that day. "This humble official has already sent men to escort Princess Jingyang of the Great Yang Kingdom back to Hedan," Wei Liang had lied to him! He regretted that, preoccupied with Lin Suyang, he hadn't carefully considered the implications of Wei Liang's words. He knew that Wei Liang's men were all assassins; in Yan-Liao, sending someone as an "escort" was practically sending them to their death! Si Junxing felt a pang of regret. Could it be that Lin Suyang was also ambushed by his men on her way back to Yundu? If so, then she was indeed likely in extreme danger. Thinking of this, Si Junxing felt a chill and could no longer sit still. He got up and began packing his things, preparing to infiltrate the Lin residence that night.

Volume Four, Palace Desolation, Chapter Ninety-Six: It's Like Longing (Part Two)

Hanzhu Garden is relatively far from the palace where the concubines gather, but it is the closest garden to Qingxiang Palace. After leaving Hanzhu Garden, follow the gravel path beside the gate to reach a slightly larger lake. Walking along the shore for less than ten miles will lead you to the gate of Qingxiang Palace.

Like everywhere else, even the palace was unbearably hot in the sweltering summer heat. As the sun began to set, the few wisps of cool breeze that finally arrived were never enough. Perhaps only the lakeside in front of Qingxiang Hall was slightly cooler throughout the entire palace? As Xuange walked towards Qingxiang Hall, she instructed her personal maid, "Nian'er, send someone back to fetch my zither."

The maidservant answered and withdrew. Xuan Ge looked up at the majestic palace in front of him, hesitated for a moment, and finally turned his toes and walked towards the pavilion by the lake.

A light purple veil was draped over a sky-blue strapless top, and the tinkling of the jade pendants around her waist, combined with Xuan Ge's enchanting and alluring figure, made her exude a subtle allure, like a lotus emerging from the water in the height of summer, elegant yet delicate.

Seeing that no one was around, Xuan Ge moved gracefully and sat down on the stone bench in the pavilion. She raised her hand and leaned against the stone table, her wide sleeves sliding down to reveal a section of her fair skin. Her fingers were slightly bent and lightly touched her forehead. Her dreamy gaze looked over the carved railing outside the pavilion and at the scattered red clouds in the rippling lake water, which came together and separated, and separated and came together again, shimmering with a brilliant light that made the stone patterns on the side begin to sway.

"How many more days like this will there be?"

Volume Four, Palace Absolute, Chapter Ninety-Seven: Three Thousand Weak Waters (Part 1)

When Qin Hao entered the room, he saw Lin Suyang reading a book. Her calm expression revealed a hint of pleasure, and her pink lips curved into a slight smile, as if she was captivated by something interesting written in the book.

For no apparent reason, Qin Hao's mood brightened up. He walked over and wrapped his arms around Lin Suyang's waist from behind, then lowered his head and chuckled softly, "What book are you reading that you're enjoying so much?"

The warmth of his breath on Lin Suyang's neck jolted her awake from her reverie. She tilted her head and looked at him sideways, saying, "It's not the book that's interesting, it's the person."

Seeing the alluring lips and fragrant aroma before him, Qin Hao felt a surge of heat rise within him. His eyes darkened, and he lowered his body further to kiss Lin Suyang's slightly flushed cheeks and lips. Even though he was burning with desire, he only kissed her lightly.

After a long kiss, they parted, and he looked down at Lin Suyang again. Her eyes were also misty, seemingly lost in thought, yet her beauty was even more captivating. Qin Hao composed himself, forcibly suppressing the wicked thoughts in his heart. He reached out to smooth her slightly disheveled hair, and absentmindedly asked, "What interesting person made you so happy?"

"You left today and told me to go out and wander around, so I thought I might as well just wander around and see how big this place is. But somehow I got lost. Just as I was getting anxious about finding my way back, I heard someone playing the piano not far away. I followed the sound and met a girl."

Upon hearing this, Qin Hao's heart tightened. Almost every concubine in the harem with some status had seen Grand Tutor Lin. Now she had lost her memory but remained here under another identity. Although no one dared to expose that she was Lin Suyang, if Empress Dowager Fengxiang found out, she might be put in danger. More importantly, if she learned about her past from them and regained her memory, wouldn't everything he had done be in vain?

Thinking of this, Qin Hao's eyes welled up with emotion, and he subconsciously tightened his grip on Lin Suyang. Lin Suyang, however, was absorbed in their encounter that afternoon and didn't notice Qin Hao's sudden change in demeanor.

"She plays the zither very well, but the piece is a bit sad. However, after talking to her, I learned that she is quite cheerful. She knows that things in the palace are not always as she wishes, which is good. Otherwise, I don't know how she would have survived."

What does that mean? It's as if the palace is a place that devours and traps people. Qin Hao's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. "What? You think it's really that hard to survive in the harem?"

Lin Suyang sensed the displeasure in his tone, turned around, tilted her head, and said, "Isn't that true? Since ancient times, beautiful women have often had tragic fates, and these tragic fates are mostly found in the deep courtyards, high walls, and thick tiles of the imperial harem. A person's life is only a few decades long, and most of these women enter the palace at the age of fourteen or fifteen. Except for palace maids over twenty years old who are allowed to leave the palace and return to their hometowns, which of the other concubines doesn't wait until their hair turns white? What's even more pitiful is that the only belief they can hold on to after entering is that one day they can gain the emperor's favor. So much youthful beauty fades away, yet they never even see the emperor's face. Do you dare to call that easy?"

Qin Hao gazed silently into her eyes. They remained bright and clear, surpassing even the finest jade pools and springs. Yet, it was precisely these eyes that he both loved and hated. He loved their piercing brightness, untouched by worldly defilement; he hated their clarity, like the purest, most sacred water, which could never reflect his image.

He sighed, picked her up, and sat down on the stool. He put one arm around her and stroked her face with the other, saying, “But do you know? Since ancient times, which dynasty hasn’t had palace intrigues comparable to the imperial court? Which concubine hasn’t racked her brains and even resorted to unscrupulous means to achieve her goals for herself or her family’s benefit? No emperor is ever truly alone at the top. He has so much to manage and do. So you can’t blame the emperor or the world for the so-called pitifulness of the concubines in the harem, whose true feelings you can’t truly see. You must understand that your fate, beyond your control, is already predetermined by heaven. It’s not something that anyone or anything can easily change.”

"But you are the emperor. Their fates are in your hands. You can keep the ones you like and send those you don't like out of the palace."

Qin Hao looked at Lin Suyang, who was somewhat agitated. His hands paused, and he smiled wryly, "Feng'er, you're thinking too simply. Some things aren't as you wish. Even an emperor can't have them. I promise you, I will try my best to be a good emperor and a good husband. You don't need to worry about anything else. I will handle it well." However, this "good emperor" is for the people of the Great Central Plains, while this "good husband" can only be for you. Of all the waters in the world, one sip is enough.

It was late at night. Lin Suyang had fallen asleep early. Qin Hao glanced at her sleeping face, then quietly got out of bed, lifting a corner of the blanket. He carefully covered her up again, put on a light coat, and went out.

A black-clad earth guard was already waiting respectfully outside the door. Upon seeing his master emerge, he quickly bowed and went to greet him.

"Go and find out who the Empress met outside Qingxiang Palace this afternoon. Also, give the portrait of Si Junxing, the leader of the Demonic Sect, to all the Dragon Guards hiding in Yundu. Report to me immediately if there is any news about him."

"yes."

Looking up at the sky, the bright moonlight was mostly obscured by a layer of dark clouds that had just moved in, making the sky gray and unpleasant. Si Junxing, no matter what, I will not give her to you, especially since she is carrying my child.

Under the palace lanterns and candlelight, Xuan Ge tightly clutched a crumpled letter in his hand. His beautiful willow-leaf eyebrows furrowed slightly, his eyelids were lowered, and his expression was extremely solemn.

This afternoon's events were too bizarre; the twists and turns were probably just as I suspected. But what exactly was Emperor Hong's purpose in doing this? Was it for the Lin family's power, or did he have other motives? At present, the most likely explanation is the former. After all, Lin Cheng had been keeping a low profile for over ten years, and now his son held a high position, and his daughter was pregnant with the emperor's child…

No, no, we're not even sure if that woman is actually Grand Tutor Lin, and we can't be sure if she's truly suffering from amnesia or just pretending. If it's a case of two people who look alike, wouldn't that drag an innocent person into this life-or-death struggle? But what if she is Lin Suyang?

How complicated! Xuan Ge shook her head. Those days of anxiously awaiting the arrival of the mission, hoping for an early release, had now turned into a heart-pounding ordeal upon receiving her first one. It seemed she would have to find a chance to meet that "Yuan Feng'er" tomorrow.

The weather on the second day was unexpectedly cool. Without the scorching sun, the entire palace seemed to come alive, and even the breeze carried a faint green scent. It would be a waste not to go out on such a day. With that thought in mind, Lin Suyang put on a thin, gold-embroidered ice silk gauze dress and stepped out of the Cold Bamboo Garden.

"Yanzi, hurry up! I saw that pavilion over there yesterday and it was so beautiful, but I didn't go up. Today, we absolutely must feast our eyes on it!" She urged the maid following behind, quickening her pace towards the direction where she had met Xuange yesterday. Yesterday, Qin Hao knew she had gone out without anyone and gotten lost, so today he repeatedly instructed Yanzi to take good care of the Empress.

"Your Highness, please slow down. If the Emperor finds out, I'll be skinned alive!" Yanzi hurried forward, not daring to fall behind, afraid that the delicate lady might stumble and make a mistake. You see, the Emperor dotes on her, cherishes her dearly, and practically paints her on his dragon robe and takes her everywhere. Just think, which other lady in the harem receives such favor from the Emperor?

I should also be grateful that I'm serving by the side of this favored master. This kind and gentle master is a rare find. In all the years I've been a palace maid, I've never seen anyone so beautiful. You could call him a fairy, but he's clearly human. And he's even pregnant with the future prince. You could call him human, but look at his appearance! What kind of person could be so captivating? By the way, I wonder if the deceased Grand Tutor could compare. I heard he was also unbelievably beautiful!

Yanzi secretly glanced at her mistress's beautiful back ahead, blushed, and followed a few steps. Suddenly, she saw the person in front of her stop abruptly. She looked up in confusion and saw an octagonal pavilion with vermilion roof tiles standing in the wide lake a little further ahead. The marble steps around it reflected the shimmering water, and the interior was spacious and open, making it an excellent spot for viewing the lake. However, it seemed that someone had already arrived in the pavilion.

Yanzi turned to look at her mistress, who was also stunned for a moment, then chuckled softly and said happily, "Yanzi, come on, let's go have a chat." With that, she took the lead and walked into the pavilion.

Chatting? Yanzi was a little confused, but seeing her master leave, she quickly followed.

Upon entering the pavilion, Lin Suyang saw a beautiful young woman sitting inside. As soon as he saw her, he smiled and said, "I knew you were coming back, but I didn't expect you to arrive so early."

"Huh? Isn't that Consort Xuan?" Yanzi was taken aback. She had heard a lot about Consort Xuan from other palace maids. She knew that Consort Xuan was as beautiful as a fairy, that she was extremely favored by the emperor, and that her dancing skills were unparalleled. She had also attended the selection ceremony for the imperial concubine. At that time, Consort Xuan was indeed beautiful, but now... compared with her mistress in private, she was still far inferior.

However, since the mistress moved here, she has never seen any other concubines, nor have any of them come to see her. When did she meet this beautiful lady Xuan?

"I got up early today, and since the weather was nice, I came out for a walk. I thought about how I fell in love with Your Majesty at first sight yesterday, and I couldn't help but come over with high hopes. Fortunately, Your Majesty still remembers me. It seems that Your Majesty and I are very destined." Although I don't know what her status is, she must be of high rank to be allowed to carry the emperor's child. Calling her "Your Majesty" shouldn't be wrong.

After helping Lin Suyang sit down opposite Xuan Ge, Yanzi stepped aside and watched carefully, afraid that the beautiful Xuan Ge might have ulterior motives. There were many unseen dangers in the harem, and her own concubine was so innocent. Moreover, she was currently enjoying the Emperor's favor, and she might become someone else's thorn in someone's side at any time.

Volume Four, Palace Absolute, Chapter Ninety-Eight: Three Thousand Weak Waters (Part Two)

When Xuan Ge's maid, Nian'er, saw Lin Suyang sit down, she quickly poured her a cup of tea. Xuan Ge looked at the emerald green tea swirling in the cup and said with a smile, "This is this year's new tribute Longjing tea from Jihu Lake. Your Highness, would you like to try it and see if it suits your taste?"

Lin Suyang smiled faintly and replied, "Don't call me 'Your Majesty' anymore, it sounds really strange. Just call me Feng'er." Before Xuan Ge could answer, she picked up her teacup and took a sip. "Hmm, this taste..." she said, "It's a bit odd."

"What's wrong? Is there a problem?" Xuan Ge asked nervously. Could there be something wrong with the tea? This was the best tea that the Emperor had sent to the four concubines and the Empress Dowager last month. She had only shared some with them because she was "favored." There couldn't possibly be anything wrong with it.

"It's nothing, I just think this tea tastes really good." Lin Suyang noticed Xuan Ge's tense expression and couldn't help but feel a little strange. "Is there something wrong?"

“Ah, no, no,” Xuan Ge hurriedly said, “I thought Your Majesty didn’t like this tea, so…”

"Didn't I tell you not to call her 'Your Majesty'?" Lin Suyang said somewhat displeased. "We're all in this harem, why make such a distinction?" She lowered her head and took another sip. When she looked up, she saw Xuan Ge looking at her with a strange expression. Turning her head, she noticed that the maid behind Xuan Ge and Yan Zi beside her were also staring wide-eyed.

"Do I... have flowers on my face?" Lin Suyang touched her face, remembering that she had taken care of it when she left this morning.

"No, it's nothing. I just feel that people as simple-minded as Your Highness...Feng'er are so rare." Whether Xuan Ge was implying something or was being sincere, Lin Suyang felt that something was different.

"My name is Xuan Ge, and you may call me by my name, Feng'er. By the way, I don't know which palace or courtyard you belong to. I would like to chat with you more often in the future," Xuan Ge said with a smile.

"I..." Wait a minute, Lin Suyang finally realized what was wrong. If Qin Hao really was the Empress, then the person in front of him couldn't possibly be unaware of his identity. Was Qin Hao lying to him, or was this woman named Xuan Ge lying? Xuan Ge. Xuan Ge, that name... it sounds so familiar.

Seeing Consort Xuan ask such a question, Yanzi became alert. The Emperor had instructed her not to reveal the Empress's identity to outsiders, and now Consort Xuan's question... How should the Empress answer? In her anxiety, she wanted to cover for her, but then she heard her mistress's gentle voice beside her ear, "I live in a very secluded courtyard nearby. Such a place is probably not something that Your Highnesses would like to go to. If Xuange doesn't mind, you can come to see me anytime."

Yanzi's heart skipped a beat. This matter had to be reported to the Emperor.

Xuan Ge chuckled after hearing Lin Suyang's words: "I'm overjoyed to have made friends with someone as kind as Feng'er, how could I possibly look down on her? I only hope that Feng'er won't look down on me."

“Xuange shouldn’t be so modest. Feng’er really likes Xuange’s zither. Would Xuange like to play another piece for Feng’er?” Lin Suyang said, pointing to the zither placed to the side.

"Since Feng'er likes it, Xuan Ge has no choice but to make a fool of himself."

After several pieces were played, it was nearly noon. Lin Suyang rose to bid farewell to Xuan Ge and then walked along the willow-lined path towards the Cold Bamboo Garden. Xuan Ge watched her retreating figure, her smile gradually fading. "It really is you," Lin Suyang thought.

On the way, Lin Suyang glanced at Yanzi beside him, who was frowning. Amused, he asked, "What's wrong, Yanzi? Who made you angry? Tell your master, and I'll help you get revenge, okay?"

Yanzi said indignantly, "Master, how could you just agree to Consort Xuan's words like that? What if the Emperor finds out that you've let other people into your courtyard..."

"So what if he knows? At worst, he'll yell at us. By the way, do you know Xuan Ge? How do you know she's a beauty?"

Yanzi pouted. "My lady, you're the only one who doesn't know about this harem. That Consort Xuan was originally a songstress presented to the Emperor by the Yan-Liao Kingdom. Later, her name appeared at the selection ceremony for imperial concubines for some reason, and the Emperor chose her to enter the palace as a concubine. None of the other concubines in the harem find her pleasing to the eye. Not only is she alluring, but she's also from the Yan-Liao Kingdom. Who knows what she's really up to? But the Emperor still treats her..." Realizing something was wrong, she immediately stopped talking, and Yanzi nervously glanced at her mistress.

Lin Suyang, who was listening halfway through when the sound stopped, turned around and asked in confusion, "What else is the Emperor doing to her?"

Yanzi quickly shook her head and said, "It's nothing, Your Highness, please don't worry. The Emperor's attention is entirely on you now. Since you woke up from your coma, he's been coming to be with you every single day. To be honest, this is the first time I've ever seen the Emperor so concerned and anxious for someone." Take that day, for example. When Your Highness angrily tore up the Emperor's memorial, he didn't get angry; instead, he carefully tried to cheer you up. Compared to those obedient concubines who go to great lengths to please the Emperor but are ignored even by him, this is like heaven and earth!

Lin Suyang knew this kind-hearted girl had misunderstood him, and sighed inwardly, "I didn't mean anything by it... Never mind, you wouldn't understand. Let's go quickly, the Emperor should be back by now." Xuan Ge, there are still so many things I want to ask her.

Inside the Quexing Palace, Xuange was intently playing the guqin, while Nian'er stood quietly beside her, fanning her with a round fan. As she played, Xuange used a little too much force, and a string snapped with a "thud." She rubbed her aching fingers and looked out the window in a daze.

Just then, a series of noisy footsteps came from outside, followed by a shrill voice shouting, "The imperial edict has arrived!"

Xuan Ge and Nian'er hurriedly went out to greet them, only to find a young eunuch with a whisk in his hand looking at them expressionlessly.

"By imperial decree, Consort Xuan is summoned to the Imperial Study for an audience."

"Your Majesty, I obey your decree." Xuan Ge rose anxiously, shook her head at Nian'er who was equally nervous, then straightened her clothes and, seeing that everything was in order, left with the eunuch who was delivering the decree.

Because the Imperial Study faces north and south, the light inside is not very bright, and it even feels a bit chilly when you walk in. This is Xuan Ge's first time in the Imperial Study. According to the Great Yang Ancestor's system, although there is no explicit law prohibiting women in the inner palace from interfering in politics, very few concubines actually step into the outer palace. Even the current Empress Dowager Fengxiang, who is in charge of the inner palace, has only come out once or twice, and only when special events occur.

This is also the reason for Xuan Ge's unease. In the past, when Emperor Hong saw her, he would go directly to her Dique Star Palace. Now, he actually sent someone to summon her to his study where he handled state affairs. What could have made him do this? Could it be because of her?

While Xuan Ge was deep in thought, Qin Hao had already taken in all her expressions. He glanced at An Zhen below, and An Zhen immediately bowed her head, retreated, and closed the palace door.

"Does Lady Xuan have any questions or concerns?"

The deep voice startled Xuan Ge. She looked up and saw Qin Hao looking at her with a half-smile. She quickly knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, I dare not. Please forgive me."

"Forgive me? But I wonder what offense does Consort Xuan need me to forgive?" The question was still somewhat indifferent.

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty... I don't know." Fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead. Xuan Ge had seen many imposing and stern people, but only in front of this seemingly ordinary Emperor Hong did she feel powerless and vaguely fearful. It was not because of his usual cold words, but because of the imposing aura he exuded that made people dare not relax in the slightest.

"Has Consort Xuan been in the palace for more than half a year now?" Qin Hao didn't press her further, but instead asked in a normal tone.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I have been in the palace for eight months now." Xuan Ge kept her head down, not daring to move, and replied to Qin Hao's words.

"Eight months... what was she doing then..." Was she diligently selecting concubines for him, meticulously performing her duties? Qin Hao's seemingly murmured words were clearly heard by Xuan Ge. Xuan Ge knew perfectly well who the "she" the Emperor Hong was referring to. A moment of silence fell over the hall.

Suddenly, Qin Hao said, "You know who she is, right?"

Xuan Ge trembled slightly, then straightened up and replied, "I guess Your Majesty is referring to Grand Tutor Lin, right?"

Qin Hao looked at her silently, his fingers tapping lightly on the gilded dragon throne, making a faint sound.

"Yes, Grand Tutor Lin. Grand Tutor Lin devoted himself to our Great Yang Dynasty, but heaven was jealous of his talent and he died young. My beloved concubine, don't you think it's a pity?"

Unable to see his expression, Xuan Ge could only glean Qin Hao's meaning from the tone of his voice, so she carefully replied, "Yes, it is indeed a pity. However, Your Majesty need not worry. The Great Yang is full of talented people, and there will surely be many loyal individuals like the Grand Tutor to assist Your Majesty in creating a glorious future."