Chengyi exclaimed, "Miss, you're being too formal! It's precisely because of the many troubles in the palace that Ziyi and I are here to protect you." Ziyi continued, "Miss, there's no need to worry. This is the elder's request, and the Second Master wouldn't agree to it anyway. Besides," she paused, "if you need anything, wouldn't it be better to have us by your side? Miss, are you abandoning us? Or have we done something wrong?" She then knelt down, and Chengyi followed suit. Weiyu quickly helped her up, "Ziyi, that's not what I meant. You and Chengyi are like sisters to me. I'm afraid that..." Ziyi looked deeply at Weiyu, "Miss, Chengyi and I have followed you since childhood..." "Second Master, Second Master is our master. Second Master has entrusted us to you, Miss. You are now our master. The Ji family doesn't need servants who betray their master. Are you going to leave us here?" Wei Yu sighed. "Zi Yi, how fortunate I am to have you. Heaven has been kind to me. You protect me. I'm just afraid I'll implicate you." As she spoke, she helped the two up. Zi Yi grasped Wei Yu's hand. "Miss, please don't be like this. There is nothing in the world that can defeat the Ji family. Please rest assured." Cheng Yi exclaimed, "It's just going to the palace! Why are you and Miss talking about it like it's a den of dragons and tigers?" Wei Yu and Zi Yi looked at each other. For the first time in three days, she relaxed.
In the summer of the twentieth year of the Xuande reign of the Qin Empire, the emperor held his first grand investiture ceremony outside the palace. With dragon banners and phoenixes, pheasant feather fans, and a golden carriage carried by forty-four eunuchs, the emperor welcomed in the most noble concubine in the harem, Consort Yuan Ning Song. The streets were deserted as everyone flocked to the palace. Many years later, people still talked about how the Holy Empress Huixian, who was deeply loved by the people of the world, entered the palace in such a glorious manner.
Cuihua swayed, not knowing how many carriages she had changed into and how many palace gates she had passed through. She was wearing a heavy apricot-yellow twelve-layered robe embroidered with nine dragons and phoenixes, and a heavy court hat with dragon pearls and nine phoenixes. Strings of pearls hung down from her forehead. In this late summer, it was simply torture. If it weren't for the support of Ziyi and Chengyi, she probably would have been unable to move an inch. She had no idea how many times she had kowtowed, kneeling and rising, rising and bowing again. On the Dan Chi platform of the Daming Palace in the West Inner Palace, and on the Sumeru platform of the Qianqing Palace in the East Inner Palace, she had heard the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat read the imperial edict twice. When she arrived at the Chengqian Palace, where she was to reside, she was told that she had to perform the three kneelings and six kowtows ceremony in front of the Chengqian Hall and listen to the edict again. Before she could speak, she felt that the inner clothes were sticky to her skin. If it weren't for the purple and orange robes holding her back, she would have fainted. Was it really necessary to read that long and tedious nonsense again and again, about "a woman of outstanding talent and noble character, possessing the virtues of a queen... humble and respectful, upholding the four virtues, and serving the emperor in the palace..."? She was already dizzy from listening to it. Finally, the booming cannons of the outer court were heard, and the announcer proclaimed "The ceremony is complete." She was helped to sit on a red, jade-inlaid amber couch in the center of the main hall. Wei Yu felt stiff all over and exhausted. She thought to herself, "This is no imperial concubine; she's clearly a 'kneeling' concubine." She moved her aching shoulders with difficulty. The purple-clad attendant standing to her right knew that she was uncomfortable being bound by her court dress and hat, so she turned slightly and whispered, "Wait a little longer, His Majesty will be here soon..." Before she could finish speaking, she heard, "His Majesty has arrived." Wei Yu was once again helped to kneel and greet him at the palace gate. She wanted to jump up and throw a tantrum, hoping to be demoted, but she wasn't that kind of fiery person.
The bright yellow dragon-head shoes stopped in front of her, and a pair of broad and strong hands placed on her arms, pulling her up. A masculine aura wafted over the pearl tassels on her forehead. The man lifted the tassels and gently lifted her chin with one hand, forcing her to face his face directly. Emperor Xuande felt the smooth, jade-like skin in his hand. Her beautiful face beneath the court hat was breathtakingly gorgeous, her lips slightly tinged with rosy red, and her delicate porcelain face flushed with a faint blush. Her dark eyes quickly averted their gaze. He smiled slightly, took her hand, and led her to the flower banquet in the hall. Gao Qing gave a wink to the slightly stunned woman in purple. She understood and quickly joined Gao Qing in holding up golden cups filled with fine wine. Red silk was tied between the two golden cups, which were placed in Emperor Xuande's and Wei Yu's hands at the same time. Emperor Xuande drank it all in one gulp. Wei Yu's hand trembled with the wine, and she was still in a daze. Emperor Xuande's gaze was intense. Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Wei Yu had no choice but to raise her cup and drink. Her throat felt like it was burning, and she couldn't help but choke. Emperor Xuande suddenly leaned forward and hugged Wei Yu. The fragrance mingled with the sweetness of the wine. Emperor Xuande held the slightly stiff yet boneless body in his arms. For the first time, he didn't want to let go.
Wei Yu's heart pounded, but thankfully he released her quickly. In his broad chest, she felt a refreshing comfort, not the overwhelming aversion and disgust she had imagined. Perhaps she was tired, or perhaps she had never been so close to a man before; Wei Yu helplessly realized her resistance was weak. Emperor Xuande said, "Help the Consort undress," and then turned and left the palace surrounded by people. Those in the palace knelt to see her off once more.
The five female officials of the Chengqian Palace happily led the palace maids and eunuchs to pay their respects to Weiyu. Even Ziyi and Chengyi smiled as they helped Weiyu bathe and undress. After the female officials and palace maids carried the court robes and hat out of the east side room of the main hall, Chengyi couldn't help but say, "Miss, according to custom, the Emperor only drinks the nuptial wine when he marries the Empress. Today's occasion clearly shows the Emperor's favor towards you. Let's see who dares to bully you in the future." Ziyi loosely tied up Weiyu's black hair, inserted a jade plum blossom hairpin, and glared at her, "You talk too much. Where is this place? And you should change your address. Her Majesty is tired." "It's alright, just call me Miss. It sounds better." Weiyu leaned against Ziyi and closed her eyes. “Well, you can call me ‘Miss’ behind my back, but you should call me ‘Your Majesty’ in public, otherwise the palace ladies will scold you.” Chengyi squatted down with a grin. “Let me massage your legs, Miss. Why don’t you take a nap?” Ziyi helped Weiyu recline on the brocade bed. “Miss, please rest well. Chengyi, could you massage your legs again? I’ll ask the palace ladies to prepare some tea and snacks. You haven’t eaten anything except for the wedding wine.”
Wei Yu was utterly exhausted. After bathing, she relaxed and Cheng Yi massaged her comfortably. She leaned against the pillows and drifted off to sleep. Zi Yi brought in fragrant tea, feeling sorry for her because she hadn't been able to sleep well for the past few days. Not wanting to wake her, she quietly lowered the silk curtains and stood guard under the corridor, signaling the female officials and maids in the outer hall to tiptoe.
Gao Qing, accompanied by several young eunuchs, carried the refreshing and delicious pastries freshly prepared by the Imperial Kitchen, ordered by the Emperor. As they entered Chengqian Palace, they found the palace maids and eunuchs smiling but completely silent. Rong Shanggong stepped forward and lowered her voice, "Grand Eunuch, Her Majesty is tired and sleeping. Should we ask her to get up?" Gao Qing instructed the young eunuchs to be quiet, and only when they reached the entrance of the hall did she say, "No need. The Emperor has decreed that Her Majesty is exempt from kneeling and kowtowing, and the concubines are exempt from paying their respects. Please allow Her Majesty to rest well. The Emperor will come after having dinner with the Empress Dowager. All of you, be alert and prepare to receive him."
Rong Shanggong nodded and accepted the order. Gao Qing looked towards the inner hall and said, "Be careful. The master you serve is very precious. All the people in this hall were personally selected by me. If there is any mistake, it won't be a simple storm; their lives and fortunes will be at stake. Even I can't bear the consequences." Rong Shanggong's expression was solemn, and she kowtowed again: "This servant understands."
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Emperor Xuande patiently finished his dinner with Empress Dowager Zhou, ignoring her incessant chatter. He tried his best not to show any displeasure when she suggested bestowing favors upon his maternal uncle's family, not wanting to spoil his good mood. It wasn't until Empress Dowager Zhou said, "Today is a joyous occasion for Your Majesty, so let's waive Consort De's punishment. She has the eldest prince there, and her expenses are considerable." Seeing that he didn't object, Empress Dowager Zhou continued, "Speaking of the eldest prince, we should grant him a residence, bestow upon him the title of Prince, and assign him a post. After all, he is our own flesh and blood..." Emperor Xuande was furious and sternly interrupted Empress Dowager Zhou, "Gao Qing, convey the Empress Dowager's decree: Consort De's punishment is waived. All women in the harem, regardless of rank, will be generously rewarded. As for Sima, move her to a different location; have the head palace attendant handle that." He then turned to his mother, "Mother, what do you think?"
Empress Zhou forced a smile, saying, "It's only right that everyone benefits the harem." She was secretly furious but dared not mention the matter of the eldest prince again. If Emperor Xuande weren't his own mother, he would have stormed off long ago. He suppressed his anger, drank some tea to appease her, and then took his leave. Empress Zhou heard shouts outside the palace gates, the sounds fading into the distance. Her smile vanished, her face turning ashen. The palace maids and eunuchs dared not breathe, fearing to anger this ruthless Empress Dowager.
The palace maid reported tremblingly, "Her Highness Consort De requests an audience."
After a long while, the palace maid slightly raised her eyes. Zhou slammed the teacup heavily on the table, startling everyone in the hall into kneeling. "Tell her to go back!"
That night, Zhou was sleepless again.
The palanquin entered through the Duanmen Gate and proceeded further in. Gao Qing cautiously glanced at Emperor Xuande, and seeing that his expression was normal, he boldly called out, "Your Majesty."
"What is Chengqian Palace doing now?" Emperor Xuande asked.
Gao Qing understood, and the palanquin turned right, entering the long palace alley and heading towards Chengqian Gate. "Reporting to Your Majesty, the Emperor has summoned the Empress to Chengqian Palace for dinner. The Imperial Concubine didn't eat much, and afterwards, feeling tired, she took a nap." Gao Qing, supporting the palanquin, dared not lie and answered truthfully, all the while observing Emperor Xuande's expression. According to palace custom, only after dinner, when the Emperor confirmed his summons, could the gates of each palace and hall be closed. The concubines to be summoned would either be summoned to the West Warm Pavilion of Qianqing Palace or wait respectfully in their own courtyards. Occasionally, if a summons was cancelled, the Inner Palace would send someone to inform the Emperor. Like today, everyone was definitely going to Chengqian Palace. For Wei Yu to take a nap at this time, although not a formal night's rest, was still considered disrespectful.
Emperor Xuande's face remained expressionless, making Gao Qing increasingly uneasy. She recalled how Wei Yu had subtly refused everyone at the Imperial Observatory that day, hoping only that the master of Chengqian Palace would comply with the Emperor's wishes tonight. The palanquin entered Chengqian Palace, and eunuchs had already informed them. Rong Shanggong, Ziyi, Chengyi, and the others knelt anxiously on both sides, but Wei Yu was the only one missing.
Upon entering the palace, the wedding banquet in the center had been removed, replaced by a green bronze cauldron with curling incense sticks. Five main rooms, flanked by side rooms with hipped roofs, and side doors with inscribed gables, connected in all directions. In the eastern side room, a carved wooden corridor was faintly visible, with silk curtains hanging to the ground; this led to the eastern side room of the main chamber. Still, Wei Yu's figure was nowhere to be seen. Gao Qing suddenly felt the chill of the Xuande Emperor's figure before him, and his heart sank. Just as he was pondering how to turn the situation around, the Xuande Emperor said in a deep voice, "Stand still," and lifted the silk curtain to enter. Gao Qing, filled with worry, dismissed everyone else from the palace, leaving only himself to stand by the side door.
Wei Yu was no less in turmoil. Although she had mentally prepared herself these past few days, although she knew that according to etiquette she should go out to greet him, although she knew that hiding in her room was unwise—she should be as gentle and respectful as everyone else, so that Emperor Xuande would soon lose interest. That's what the books said; all women are the same, and men will quickly tire of them. She had also prepared to do that. But when the moment came, she simply couldn't bring herself to go out and kneel to greet a man who was about to take away her purity. The silk curtain was lifted, and she jumped up in fright, her face pale as she stared at the tall man approaching. Emperor Xuande, who had been seething with anger, saw the panic on Wei Yu's face and his anger subsided considerably. Perhaps she was afraid. He held her shoulders and said softly, "My beloved concubine, my beloved concubine, don't be afraid." He pulled her into his arms, inhaling her fragrance. Wei Yu struggled, trying to push him away. "Let me go!" He finally had her soft, warm body in his arms and didn't care about her address of "you" and "me." He only felt dissatisfied with her struggle. With a slight exertion of his arms, Wei Yu could not move. His hands slid down her back, and Wei Yu's silver-red silk robe slipped down to her arms. Wei Yu panicked, tears streaming down her face. She took a breath, trying to calm herself. "Let me go," she cried out, her voice trembling.
The dampness on her chest and the trembling voice made Emperor Xuande pull away slightly, but he held Weiyu's shoulders tightly. Weiyu's silk robe was half-draped, revealing a hint of pink in her skin. His eyes darkened, and he asked softly, "My beloved concubine, are you speaking to me?" His gaze was sharp as a blade.
Wei Yu trembled slightly involuntarily. She turned her head away. Perhaps she should stick to her original intentions and not resist. The man before her was a powerful ruler who possessed the world, a dangerous man she absolutely could not afford to offend. Yet, she was unwilling and unwilling to submit. "My beloved consort, I am asking you a question. Answer me!" How could Emperor Xuande allow her to ignore him, given his immense favor? Wei Yu's shoulders stung slightly. She saw herself looking directly at Emperor Xuande and clearly saying, "Yes."
"You dare refuse?" Emperor Xuande narrowed his eyes, a wicked smile playing on his lips. "Well said." He released her, and before Wei Yu could retreat, she felt a sudden lightness as she fell onto the satin carpet of the brocade bed with its floral plow-wood steps. Before she could sit up, Emperor Xuande was already heavily on top of her. The softness beneath him stirred his heart. He gently tugged at her silver-red silk robe and tossed it aside. "Listen," he cupped her smooth cheeks, caressing them with his fingertips. "You are my woman. I can pamper you, cherish you, and you must not disobey me. Offending me will come at a price." He tightened his grip maliciously, letting Wei Yu feel his desire. Wei Yu gasped, a faint fear creeping into her heart.
"Since I've decided on you, you have no choice." After declaring this, he sealed Wei Yu's red lips with a domineering kiss. Wei Yu was both surprised and terrified. She violently pounded and pushed, but it was like an ant trying to shake a tree. Instead, it aroused Emperor Xuande's desire. He grabbed Wei Yu's hands and placed them above her head, while one hand maliciously roamed over her soft waist. "So my beloved concubine has some thorns. I'm happy to pluck them out one by one."
Her skirt trailed on the ground, her silk bodice flew off, and he lightly kissed Wei Yu's brows, eyelids, and lips. Wei Yu tried to dodge, but only received a tighter grip, his kisses even moving down to her breasts. He always found a way to kiss what he wanted. Wei Yu had never felt so powerless and insignificant. She trembled in his hands, utterly powerless to resist him. She could only close her eyes, bite her lip, and not let her body's instincts control her mind. She also missed the deep gaze of Emperor Xuande. The beautiful woman beneath him was delicate and helpless, pitiful and charming, seemingly submissive yet stubborn, her eyes filled with fear and defiance, a contradiction that fueled his passion. In bed, he felt an unprecedented pleasure and enjoyment. He sucked on her delicate lips again, forcefully spreading her legs. A sharp pain struck Wei Yu, and she couldn't help but cry out, almost fainting. Emperor Xuande felt a pang of unease. He released her hand and gently caressed her body, allowing her to release her pain. He deliberately showed tenderness, teasing her again and again, forcing her to dance with him, releasing a refreshing fragrance.
After the shy clouds and trembling rain, Emperor Xuande lovingly embraced her smooth, creamy body. Dark clouds gathered around his pillow, his starry eyes tightly closed, as if afraid she might feel...
Annoyed and fearing he might lose control, he used a little internal force to lull Wei Yu into a deep sleep. He got off the bed, casually put on his dragon robe, and walked out of the east side room. Gao Qing stood respectfully at the side door, watching his master, like a fierce lion devouring its prey, satisfied and languid, and said, "Prepare a bath."
The eunuchs tiptoed into the side room, carrying a large, ancient wooden tub shaped like a dragon. Hot water was poured in, and then the women in purple and orange robes led the maids in, carrying clothes and headscarves, without making a sound. Emperor Xuande hesitated briefly, then waved his hand. Gao Qing led the others out, closing the side door. The Emperor wouldn't be returning to the Qianqing Palace. Although Gao Qing had a premonition, she was still surprised. The Emperor never allowed concubines to stay overnight in the Qianqing Palace; he would always send them back in sedan chairs in the middle of the night, let alone let them stay overnight in any concubine's palace. The Emperor's refusal to use the maids clearly indicated his intention to personally serve the Consort's bath. On their very first night, Gao Qing marveled at the extent of the Emperor's possessiveness. And this Consort's temperament was rather unruly. Gao Qing was half delighted and half worried, anticipating many days of headaches to come. He met the worried look in the purple-clad woman's eyes, and a thought struck him. He waved his hand and said, "You all go and rest. Leave a few people to keep watch in the palace. You two maids should also go to sleep. Tomorrow you will have to serve the Empress at Xingqing Palace, so you need to be well-rested." Everyone responded and dispersed as instructed. Gao Qing then returned to the side of the gate and asked a young eunuch to bring him a cushion. "Let's take a nap too. We'll wake you up at dawn."
That night, Ziyi looked at the sleeping Chengyi, her mind racing.
Around dawn, there was a commotion in Chengqian Palace. Gao Qing led the palace maids into the east side room to help Emperor Xuande put on his court robes. Emperor Xuande was in high spirits, showing no signs that he had almost lost control the night before while holding the sleeping Weiyu in the hot spring, and had only managed to calm down after soaking in cold water for a long time, and had only taken a short nap. The summer morning was already bright, and a cool breeze was blowing, making it very pleasant. Emperor Xuande sat in his palanquin and turned to Gao Qing, saying, "The Consort is still sleeping. Tell them to serve her carefully. Go and convey my imperial decree that the Consort will pay her respects at Xingqing Palace at noon."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Gao Qing replied respectfully. After yesterday, he should slowly get used to the Emperor's favor towards the Consort. He figured that such unconventional behavior would become more and more common in the future. "And one more thing," Gao Qing listened attentively. "Have Liu Chuang stay in Chengqian Palace. Except for the inner palace, he must not leave my side for a moment. Do you understand my intention?" Gao Qing nodded. The deputy commander of the Dragon Cavalry, one of the empire's top experts, was here to protect and monitor this Consort. The Emperor was in far deeper trouble than he had imagined. He truly didn't know whether to be worried or happy.
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Gao Qing waited until Emperor Xuande summoned his officials and gave instructions to Liu Chuang. He figured that things should be starting up there, so he took a few eunuchs and headed to Xingqing Palace.
More than twenty sedan chairs, palanquins, and imperial sedan chairs of various styles were parked in front of Xingqing Palace, indicating that all the concubines from the East and West Inner Palaces had arrived. The young eunuch guarding the palace gates, upon seeing Gao Qing, hurriedly bowed and went to greet him, announcing his arrival inside. Then, the Grand Eunuch Hong Da, the head eunuch of Xingqing Palace, came out with a beaming smile. "What brings you here, Grand Eunuch Gao?" Gao Qing smiled back, "I have come on His Majesty's orders to inform the Empress Dowager. I wonder if the Empress Dowager has ascended the main hall yet?" Hong Da, with a fawning smile, replied, "The Empress Dowager has finished her breakfast and is taking a stroll. It's just as I'm accompanying the Grand Eunuch inside. The heads of each palace and hall are already waiting to pay their respects in the main hall."
The two appeared to be brothers, but in reality, they hated each other to the core. During the twelve years of Zhou's regency, Hong Da, taking advantage of the emperor's power, committed all sorts of insidious acts. Gao Qing, who had not yet learned martial arts, suffered greatly at his hands. After Emperor Xuande assumed power, Zhou lost his influence, and Hong Da finally backed down. Relying on Zhou's protection, he cowered in Xingqing Palace as the head eunuch, continuing to act arrogantly. In order not to lose Zhou's favor, he still boasted wildly, putting on an air of competence. Zhou believed him. Last time, when she asked him to inquire about Wei Yu's affairs, he had no idea that Hong Da's arrogance had been extinguished. He dared not inquire and simply gave Zhou a few random answers to get rid of her.
As expected, the main hall of Xingqing Palace was teeming with women, a vibrant display of beauty and elegance. In the center of the hall sat a slightly worn, luxurious seven-treasure couch, flanked by rows of golden nanmu chairs draped with scarlet felt. The proud Consort De, along with several higher-ranking consorts such as Zhaoyi, Zhaoyuan, and Xiuyi, were seated there. Those below the rank of Chongrong whispered amongst themselves in small groups in the corners. Most conspicuous were the three newly promoted Jieyu: Xue Ruyao, Lin Yuzhen, and Qiu Linglong, who stood demurely with smiles, not whispering among themselves, their presence standing out like cranes among chickens. It was clear that each had meticulously dressed up, intending to rival the new Consort in beauty and charm. When the women saw Gao Qing, their eyes lit up. Gao Qing, not daring to be negligent, as they were all considered mistresses, bowed to pay her respects, just as a palace maid announced, "The Empress Dowager has arrived."
Everyone knelt respectfully to pay their respects. Surrounded by palace maids, Madam Zhou sat on a soft couch, glanced around, and said, "Rise, everyone, please sit down."
Gao Qing knelt down again and bowed, saying, "I humbly request Your Majesty's well-being."
"Oh, it's Steward Gao. It's rare for you to come to Xingqing Palace. Is there anything I can do for you?" Madam Zhou didn't ask Gao Qing to get up, and asked with a half-smile.
"I have come to report to the Empress Dowager on the Emperor's orders," Gao Qing said in a clear, neither humble nor arrogant.
Zhou took a sip of tea before saying, "Rise and answer." Gao Qing was conveying the Emperor's decree, so Zhou couldn't make things difficult for him. "His Majesty's decree is that the Imperial Concubine will pay her respects at Xingqing Palace at noon."
Zhou sneered, "I wondered what it was about that made you, the chief steward, make such a fuss. Go back and tell everyone that the Imperial Concubine has had a hard time. Even if she didn't come to pay her respects at noon, what difference would it make if I, an old woman, didn't come?"
"Yes, this servant has remembered." Gao Qing knelt down again to pay his respects and then turned and left Xingqing Palace.
As Zhou watched him walk out of the palace gate, she snorted, "Like master, like servant."
Consort De stood up impatiently and exclaimed, "Empress Dowager, is there no order in the palace? We arrived early this morning. The Noble Consort is lucky enough to sleep until noon. Are you and we all supposed to wait until noon?"
Zhou glared at her: "What are you yelling about? Isn't this the Emperor's decree? What, just because the Imperial Concubine isn't here, you can't even pay your respects to me first thing in the morning?"
Everyone hurriedly stood up, saying they dared not. Xue Ruyao smiled and said, "Your Majesty, please don't be angry. Consort De did not mean it that way. What is it to pay our respects to Your Majesty by coming early every day? It is our filial duty as juniors. We are just afraid that if we disturb Your Majesty's peace, it would be our fault."
Everyone chimed in, and Lin Yuzhen, secretly annoyed that Xue Ruyao had stolen the limelight, giggled and said, "What Consort Xue said is absolutely true. Unlike us, Consort Xue doesn't live in the West Palace, which is convenient. She didn't have time before, but now she can come from the East Palace every day. It must be really hard work for her." She was subtly mocking Xue Ruyao for falling out of favor, which made Xue Ruyao's expression change several times.