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I'm begging for comments! I'm losing motivation if I don't see any.
The poor author, who stayed up until 5:30 AM to finally finish reviewing and replacing the main text, has this to say TT
Chapter 87 Completed
In April, Tongcheng is like being immersed in a sea of tung blossoms. From the moment you enter Tongcheng, you'll see tung trees everywhere, each one laden with white flowers, exuding a serene and elegant charm. The fragrance of the tung blossoms is not strong, and its gentle aroma is never cloying. Tongcheng gets its name from the tung trees that fill the city and the sea of tung blossoms that bloom every April.
An ordinary-looking carriage slowly came to a stop outside the imposing gate of a mansion, flanked by two pairs of enormous white jade lions. A middle-aged man in a black robe, with a composed demeanor, was waiting outside with a group of people. Upon seeing the carriage stop, he took a couple of steps closer and bowed.
A short while later, a man alighted from the carriage. The middle-aged man slightly raised his eyes, sizing up the person standing not far away. His slender figure was wrapped in a deep purple robe, like a sharp sword waiting to be drawn, concealing its edge. He stood calmly beside the carriage, his face expressionless yet exuding an air of authority without anger.
Zhang Wenzhou was the prefect of Tongcheng, in charge of governing the people, recommending virtuous officials, adjudicating lawsuits, and investigating crimes. He had received advance notice that His Majesty the Emperor would be visiting Tongcheng incognito today, so he ordered his men to thoroughly clean the residence where the Emperor would be staying. However, time was short, and there was no time for repairs. After waiting for most of the day, the Emperor finally arrived.
As soon as Zhang Yu alighted from the carriage, Zhang Wenzhou immediately led his family and relatives to kneel and pay their respects. However, they remained kneeling on the ground for a long time without being excused from their duties. He almost thought he had done something wrong from the beginning, and couldn't help but look up again, only to see the emperor still standing there, looking at the carriage and reaching out his hand.
A slender, delicate hand emerged from the carriage and gently rested in the emperor's palm. A single purple jade bracelet adorned her fair wrist, and the hand was firmly grasped as soon as it was extended. In the blink of an eye, another woman alighted from the carriage.
Her pale white summer dress embroidered with pink lotus blossoms accentuated her slender figure. She seemed exceptionally fair-skinned, even fairer than the blooming tung flowers of Tongcheng, yet her gentle face glowed with a healthy rosy hue. Her dark hair was adorned with minimal jewelry, giving her an unpretentious appearance, yet she possessed an exceptionally refined and serene demeanor.
Zhang Wenzhou glanced at her briefly before looking away. He couldn't resist wanting to look at his sixteen-year-old daughter, but ultimately held back. Knowing that His Majesty the Emperor would be visiting Tongcheng today, his daughter had dressed up carefully. She was already beautiful, and with her elaborate makeup, she was even more radiant.
But seeing the woman before him, he felt his daughter paled in comparison. Zhang Wenzhou then remembered that the secret letter did indeed mention the Empress. But at the time, he thought the Empress had clearly passed away, and besides, why would she be in Tongcheng…
He ultimately didn't take it to heart, never expecting that there really was such a person accompanying His Majesty the Emperor. The woman before him... was she the Empress...? Realizing his negligence, Zhang Wenzhou felt a cold sweat break out on his back.
After traveling for so long, they finally arrived at their destination. As soon as they got off the carriage, Ah Hao subconsciously took two deep breaths of the air filled with the fragrance of tung blossoms, and felt instantly refreshed. The group of people were still kneeling on the ground. Zhang Yu did not excuse them from the formalities, and Ah Hao gently tugged at his sleeve.
Zhang Yu glanced at her but said nothing. Zhang Wenzhou snapped out of his daze and bowed to Ahao again, addressing her as "Your Majesty the Empress." The family members and relatives behind him showed a hint of surprise on their faces, clearly indicating that they had not been informed or informed beforehand.
Ah Hao hadn't noticed this. She didn't feel much about the so-called Empress's status, and didn't even have much of a real sense of being a wife. However, she still enjoyed being with Zhang Yu. It wasn't that she didn't care about titles, but she always felt like something was missing.
After Zhang Wenzhou and Ahao bowed, the others followed suit. Only then did Zhang Yu speak, dismissing their formalities. His voice was somewhat cold, making Zhang Wenzhou even more cautious. Zhang Yu barely glanced at him, and didn't even look at his family and relatives behind him, simply leading Ahao into the mansion.
Ah Hao still remembers that Zhang Yu took her from Lin'an to Tongcheng on the tenth day of the third month. On the day they left, the rain from the previous night had not stopped by the early morning of the next day, and the bluestone road leading out of the city was still wet. The wind and rain had knocked the delicate flowers to the ground, and they were trampled and crushed by pedestrians with their leisurely or hurried steps, mixed with mud and water, and their delicate beauty on the branches was no longer visible.
The heavy luggage was carried separately by Zhang Yu, who kept a low profile, bringing only a few things and a small entourage, with only Lü Yuan and Lü Chuan accompanying them. Prince Ning, Xia Mingzhe, Zhang Xin, and Zhang Jin saw them off at the city gate, without any grand procession.
They did not travel with the army. Before their departure, Nie Zhiyuan, who had been appointed Grand General, had already led the main force to the border. Zhang Yu's arrangement at that time implied that they would not follow the same route as the main army, and for her, it was a form of consideration on another level.
On the way to Tongcheng, Zhang Yu was quite particular. He only used the bedding and soft pillows he brought himself, and he never used any utensils such as bowls, plates, or teacups from outside, preferring to go through the trouble. Even when staying at an inn, he wouldn't use the things provided by the inn. However, this particularity was somewhat necessary and not a bad thing.
Although she didn't seem to be in a hurry, traveling through the night was still common, and any stops were merely for rest; after all, she wasn't in the mood for sightseeing. But this long journey was a first for her. She encountered many novel things along the way and experienced the local customs and cultures of different places, finding it all quite enjoyable.
Now that they had finally arrived in Tongcheng, despite her exhaustion, Ah Hao was in a good mood. She was curious about why Ling Xiao had come to Tongcheng so early. If Zhang Yu hadn't made any arrangements, he wouldn't have sent someone to escort Ling Xiao here so soon after the New Year. But she couldn't see him now, or perhaps he was still busy.
Zhang Wenzhou respectfully led Zhang Yu and Ahao around, introducing the place to them as he went. The mansion, like those outside, was planted with many paulownia trees, their white blossoms in full bloom. In truth, the pavilions and buildings within the mansion weren't particularly refined or elegant; perhaps because this was a border region, they possessed a ruggedness that lacked delicacy.
Ah Hao walked and looked around, finding it hard not to feel curious as a newcomer. Zhang Yu noticed the weariness on her face, yet her eyes were constantly busy, which amused him. When they arrived at their room, their luggage had already been delivered, large boxes placed inside, not yet unpacked. Although the items delivered in advance were just ordinary necessities, they were sealed with bright yellow tape, so no one dared to touch them carelessly.
“Two days ago, His Majesty and the Empress’s luggage was delivered to Tongcheng. I ordered people to carefully carry it into this room, and after a thorough check, nothing was left behind and nothing was moved.”
After entering the mansion, Zhang Wenzhou spoke at length, followed them into the room, and upon seeing the large boxes, explained further. Zhang Yu hadn't responded to his earlier words, and now he sternly ordered him to leave, his expression remaining grim.
Knowing at least that the Emperor was displeased because of his neglect of the Empress, Zhang Wenzhou glanced nervously at Song Shuhao, who was being led by Zhang Yu, and quickly retreated from the room. Once outside, Zhang Wenzhou let out a soft sigh, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and discovered that his entire back was soaked with sweat.
"Are you tired?" Zhang Yu asked, his expression softening as he helped Ahao sit down. Ahao smiled and shook her head. "Not particularly tired, but I don't feel well." Zhang Yu then ordered hot water to be prepared. A short while later, Lü Chuan responded from outside, saying that the hot water was ready and asking if they should be brought in now.
"That's quite thoughtful," Ah Hao said with a smile. "Your Majesty should also take a shower and then get some sleep. You probably have social engagements tonight, so it's better to rest a bit so you won't be too tired."
Zhang Wenzhou, whom we just met, is merely the prefect of Tongcheng. For this border town, the most important element is undoubtedly the garrison commander. Zhang Yu has kept a low profile, neither making a fuss nor giving prior notice, so he will most likely meet with him later in the day, as he is busy during the day.
Ah Hao was right; the general currently stationed in Tongcheng does indeed have some connections with Zhang Yu. If he wants to secure his position and have capable ministers willingly and diligently guard this border for him, he can't just be close to a few people.
"Let's bathe together, let's sleep together." After looking at Ah Hao for a while, Zhang Yu slowly said.
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After bathing, Ah Hao didn't eat anything since she wasn't hungry, and she slept with Zhang Yu. When she woke up, it was already getting dark, and the room was quite dim. She vaguely heard Lü Yuan's voice outside. Seeing that Zhang Yu was still asleep, Ah Hao quietly moved his arm away from her waist, tidied herself up, and went to open the door.
Lu Yuan smiled when he saw Ahao, then lowered his head and said softly but with a hint of respect, "Your Majesty, I'll have to trouble you to disturb His Majesty's sweet dreams. General Fang has arrived and is waiting in the main hall."
After that incident before the New Year, everyone changed how they addressed her, even though she hadn't been formally conferred an official title. Even if Ah Hao had other ideas, it was useless; everyone else would still call her that, so she gave up on pointless explanations and struggles.
After responding to Lü Yuan, Ahao went back into the room, lit a candle, and walked to the bedside. Zhang Yu was already awake. She sat down on the edge of the bed and said gently, "Your Majesty should get up. Eunuch Yuan said that General Fang has arrived and is having tea in the main hall."
Zhang Yu sat up, hugged Ahao, and said, "Ling Xiao should be here soon. You two haven't seen each other in a long time, so you can chat." Ahao smiled and nodded, went to get hot water, helped Zhang Yu wash up, and then helped him comb his hair again.
Ah Hao didn't recognize General Fang and didn't want to join their reminiscing. She escorted Zhang Yu to the moon gate leading to the main hall and was about to return to her room when a maidservant approached her, saying that Lord Ling was requesting an audience. Ah Hao was taken aback, but Zhang Yu, who hadn't left yet, reminded her, "It's Ling Xiao." Only then did she realize what was happening.
Ling Xiao arrived in Tongcheng and had transformed into Lord Ling, which was no ordinary matter. Knowing that this must be Zhang Yu's doing, she became even more curious about what Ling Xiao had done for Zhang Yu after arriving in Tongcheng. A-Hao smiled and urged Zhang Yu to go and see the guest, and asked the little maid to take her to see Ling Xiao.
After not seeing each other for several months, they met again in Tongcheng. It was so hard to wait for Song Shuhao to come. Ling Xiao, who was finally seeing an acquaintance, immediately hugged her and pretended to be aggrieved.
"Your man is simply inhuman! How could he possibly send a weak woman like me to this place to serve my country? Waaah!"
When Ahao arrived, Lingxiao was standing under a lantern. The lantern's light enveloped her, and Ahao could tell that she had gained a little weight since Lin'an City, and her face looked fuller. She didn't look like she had been wronged at all.
Reaching out, Ah Hao gently pinched Ling Xiao's waist and laughed, "Is this how you feel wronged?" She thought Ah Hao would be embarrassed because of her "your man," but she was surprised to find that Ah Hao had seen through her immediately.
Ling Xiao immediately stopped faking his crying, released Ahao with a bitter face, pouted, and muttered in dissatisfaction, "The little princess said in her letter that you had become bad, and I didn't believe it, but it turns out it really is true."
"How could you slander someone like that, Lord Ling? What happened to your fairness, integrity, and incorruptibility?" Seeing Ling Xiao's feigned distress and furrowed brow, A-Hao wanted to laugh even more and deliberately teased her. Ling Xiao pretended to tickle her, but A-Hao quickly begged for forgiveness and changed the subject, "Where are you staying now? Have you eaten yet?"
"Not yet, because His Majesty the Emperor said I should dine with the Empress, so of course I'm waiting for you, right?" Ling Xiao said with a mischievous smile, but couldn't help wanting to complain, "I really can't stand it anymore, do you two have to be so lovey-dovey? Have you considered how others feel?" I don't want to eat this dog food!
"To be honest, I'm quite curious. What have you been up to in Tongcheng? Let's go eat first, and then we can talk about it slowly. If you don't explain clearly, I'm not letting you leave today." Ahao wanted to take Lingxiao to the dining hall, but Lingxiao stopped her. "Let's go to my place instead. I recently got a jar of plum wine, which is very delicious. You should try it."