Красоты династии Сун

Глава 27

Xiao Ran ate dinner early and went straight to the palace to apologize. Entering the warm pavilion, she saw the Virtuous Consort playing chess on a long couch. She hurried forward.

"Grandma Xian, Ran'er has come to pay her respects. It's been a few days since I last saw you, and you look even more radiant than before!"

"You little rascal, where have you been all this time? You must have found some fun places and forgotten about this old woman!" Consort Xian laughed and took Ran's hand, sitting down on the couch together.

"Grandma, if you have anything fun, Ran'er will definitely get it for you. I have a new song here, would you like to listen to it?"

“That’s more like it. Come, I have an expert here too, let’s listen together.” He turned his head and said, “Miss Wan, come, greet the young master of Prince Li’s family.”

Wanqing had not expected that Xiaoran would be acquainted with Consort Xian, so she had no choice but to stand up and bow, "This commoner, Wanqing, greets Your Highness."

When Xiao Ran entered the room, she caught sight of an unfamiliar woman in plain clothes sitting opposite the Empress on the couch. She assumed it was the favored musician. Now, as she looked at her closely, she was slightly taken aback. The woman's appearance was ordinary and unfamiliar, but her figure was somewhat familiar, especially her smiling eyes, which reminded her of…

Seeing that Xiao Ran was still in a daze, Wan Qing knew that this idiot was probably going to cause trouble! She quickly whispered, "Your Highness, the Empress is waiting for your new song!"

Xiao Ran suddenly snapped out of her daze, shook her head, and realized she must be lovesick!

She rose and sat on the chair opposite the couch, lowered her eyes and calmed her mind. The clear and gentle sound of the flute began, then turned beautiful and enchanting, gradually drawing her into a trance...

"What is the name of this piece?" Consort Xian asked with a smile after the piece ended.

"Grandma, the title of this piece is tentatively set as 'Flowing Light'."

The Consort Xian's smile deepened. "This melody is deeply moving. Did you encounter a woman as 'radiant as a shimmering light'? The flute's melody is somewhat restless; Ran'er's heart is unsettled!"

Xiao Ran chuckled mischievously, "Nothing escapes Grandma's discerning eye. Your grandson is madly in love with the beauty 'Liu Guang'!"

Consort Xian smiled indulgently and sighed, "Which beauty is tormenting Ran'er? Grandma will arrange a marriage for you!"

"Grandma is just making fun of me! And in front of experts!" Ran turned to Wanqing, "Miss Wan, what advice do you have for this piece?"

Wanqing was thinking that if she took out "Li Sao" that evening, Xiaoran would definitely recognize her. Hearing this question, she had no choice but to answer, "Just as Your Majesty commented, the music is a rare masterpiece. The young master has some melancholy in his heart, so the flute playing is a little too agitated."

"The sound of the zither is the most profound and restrained. Why don't you and Xiao Ran play a duet and see if you can calm this brat's restlessness? We'll be playing it for everyone tonight!" Consort Xian was in high spirits.

Wanqing hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, my humble zither has a clear and beautiful sound, but it lacks depth and restraint. I'm afraid it won't match the sound of the young master's flute."

Consort Xian nodded, "If we're talking about a refined and understated style, 'Sea Moon' is the best choice. It was already given to Uncle Ze back then. There's also a fine zither in the palace named 'Flying Waterfall,' which should be a good match. Let's try it out!"

“‘Flying Waterfall’ is an unparalleled zither, how dare a junior presume to play it?” Although Wanqing spoke politely, she was actually very eager to see this precious zither that could be compared with ‘Li Sao’ and ‘Hai Yue’.

"Miss Wan is too modest!" Consort Xian said with a smile, then called for someone to fetch the 'waterfall'.

Xiao Ran's heart lit up. Grandma Xian usually treasured the 'Flying Waterfall' so much that she wouldn't even let herself touch it, which meant the musician before her was certainly more skilled than herself. Who else in the world, besides that tormenting little devil, could possess such skill and be of such a similar age! Looking closer, she saw Wan Qing standing quietly with her eyes lowered, a faint glint in them—exactly the same look in the little devil's eyes when he saw the silver notes! A mix of joy, happiness, annoyance, and worry welled up within her. Joy at finally knowing the person's whereabouts, annoyance that Xing Ge didn't trust her and was deliberately concealing the truth. The palace was a complex place, rife with intrigue and power struggles; how could she not be worried…

Wanqing glanced at Xiaoran out of the corner of her eye and saw the familiar anxiety and worry in her eyes; she had probably already recognized her. "Boss! Even if you recognize me, you don't have to stare like that!" Unable to bear it any longer, she gracefully stepped forward and bowed to Xiaoran. "I'll need your guidance later, Your Highness!"

Xiao Ran saw Wan Qing turn her head and wink at her with her back to Consort Xian. "Hmph, now she acknowledges me!" she thought. She smiled and replied, "Miss Wan, you're too kind!"

Wanqing's slender fingers danced swiftly across the strings, creating a 'waterfall' unlike the allure of 'Li Sao' or the serene stillness of 'Haiyue'; it possessed a unique, clear, flowing quality, like a waterfall cascading with pearls...

The xiao music over there had lost all its restlessness, replaced by a deep and tender affection.

Consort Xian sighed softly, “‘Overflowing brilliance’ swirls and ‘flowing light’ dances! This old woman has lived in the palace for so long that she has not heard of such a perfect match in many years! Ran’er, if there really is such a woman, I will definitely bring her here for Grandma to see!”

Xiao Ran felt a surge of sweetness in her heart upon hearing this, and said in a flattering tone, "Grandma was a beauty who was 'radiant and dazzling' back then!"

Amidst the laughter and banter, a servant announced that the young master and young lady of the Jiang family had arrived. The Consort Xian, supported by a palace maid, walked towards the main hall in the front courtyard, with Wanqing following slowly behind, her sleeve gently tugged.

“We’re a match made in heaven!” Ran said with a soft laugh.

Wan Qing looked straight ahead, gathered her sleeves, and struck out with her palm. Xiao Ran cried out in pain and let go, but hurriedly followed after seeing that she had walked away.

The group entered the hall, and everyone bowed to the Empress. Wanqing stood quietly to the side, observing them closely. The five young masters of the Jiang family were all handsome and well-acquainted with Xiaoran. Hualian was pulling Xiaoran along, calling her "Little Lady," which caused the Jiang family's young lady to cover her mouth and chuckle. The Jiang family's young lady was delicate and beautiful, a rare beauty. Her features bore a resemblance to the Empress's. As the beauty slowly approached, her voice was melodious and sweet.

"You must be Miss Wan? My brother has been mentioning you a lot lately, saying your hands can play celestial music!"

Wanqing gave a slight curtsy. "This humble woman, Wanqing, greets Miss Jiang. Your words, sir, are too kind, Young Master Jiang!"

"My elder brother rarely praises people, Miss Wan, let me see your hand quickly." He said playfully, grabbing Wan Qing's hand.

Wanqing felt that the hands holding her were soft and delicate, and her lively and beautiful eyes were actually carefully examining her hands. Dimples appeared on her pretty face, making her indescribably lovable.

"My hands are also excellent at playing the flute, why doesn't anyone notice?!" Xiao Ran teased, holding out her hands.

Miss Jiang smiled and waved her hands, "Look at your womanly hands, look at mine instead."

Laughter echoed in the hall, warming Wan Qing's heart with its gentle warmth.

A messenger announced the arrival of Prince Qing, and the hall quieted down considerably. Hua Lian stepped forward to greet him, while Miss Jiang stood quietly to one side. Consort Xian looked towards the entrance. Xiao Ran moved to Wan Qing's side, gesturing for her to look at Miss Jiang. In the blink of an eye, a figure in black robes stood in the hall. Jiu Ru first bowed to his mother, then greeted the young master and young lady of the Jiang family. When Wan Qing saw Miss Jiang greet him, her delicate eyes sparkled, and a blush spread across her face, making her extremely charming and adorable. Glancing at Xiao Ran beside her, Wan Qing smiled and raised an eyebrow. She smiled in relief, then suddenly noticed the figure in black approaching.

"Ran'er greets Uncle,"

"Xiao Ran, I heard you've been very busy lately. You've come early today!"

"Thank you for your concern, Uncle. I've finished my business and will come here every day to keep Grandma Xian company, listen to music, and chat with her."

Jiu Ru's lips twitched slightly as she turned her head to look at Wan Qing, who stood with her eyes lowered.

"Come and greet Grandma Xian's adopted son, the Prince Qing of the current dynasty!" Ran pretended to be affectionate and pulled Wan Qing over.

"This humble woman, Wanqing, greets Prince Qing!" Wanqing bowed in greeting, her eyes fixed on the pair of black satin boots embroidered with gold thread on the ground. After waiting for a while, and then for a while longer, she finally heard the words "No need for formalities" from above. When she looked up again, the figure had already sat down beside the Empress.

Then several more princes and noblemen arrived, and the group moved to the back garden to enjoy tea, admire the moon, listen to music, and chat—a lively scene indeed. Xiao Ran, setting aside his princely airs, played several pieces with Wan Qing, who exclaimed that it was divine music. Just then, Wan Qing heard deep, steady footsteps approaching from the garden path. Turning her head, she saw a figure in a bright yellow robe flash through the flower shadows. Looking back at the prince who sat quietly opposite her, she saw him slightly close his eyes. Wan Qing rose and waited quietly. A moment later, she heard a thud as someone knelt down. Without looking up, she knelt gracefully.

After a gasp of surprise at the arrival of the Emperor, Wanqing caught a glimpse of a bright yellow robe brushing past her as she approached the Consort Xian.

"My beloved consort, no need for formalities. On such a fine night, I would like to join in the fun. Would you be so kind as to welcome me?"

The voice sounded gentle and smiling at first, calm and kind, but once it entered the heart, it was indescribably hard and cold. Wanqing felt a slight dampness in her tightly clenched palms. It was him! This was the person who ruined Aunt Wan's life!

"Your Majesty's refined taste is an honor for me!"

Everyone returned to their seats, and all remained silent.

"This is the musician that my beloved concubine has recently hired."

Hearing the voice coming towards her, Wanqing slowly stepped forward and knelt down, "This commoner, Wanqing, greets Your Majesty!"

Silence, silence. Wan Qing's face remained calm as she waited patiently.

"Miss Wan, please raise your head and speak to me."

Everyone was shocked. Jiu Ru smiled without a trace. Wan Qing calmly looked up and met the Emperor's gaze.

This was a once magnificent face. Though youth had faded, it still evoked memories of her former glory. Her phoenix eyes were slightly narrowed, reminding Wan Qing of Lao Ze's fox-like eyes. Lao Ze's eyes held a mixture of vicissitudes, cunning, smugness, affection, and unbridled joy—a vibrant tapestry of everything! But in the similar eyes before her, there was only vicissitude, nothing but vicissitude! Everything else had sunk into their depths, vanished without a trace! Suddenly, Sheng Yan chuckled softly.

"Everyone says that Miss Wan has a skillful hand and heavenly music. I request that Miss Wan play a piece called 'Wang Si'!"

Consort Xian was secretly alarmed. "Wang Si" was a tune that Wan Mei used to play often when she was alive. Since her death, no one in the palace dared to play this tune again!

Wanqing sat quietly before the zither, closed her eyes and sighed, the strings vibrated and music began...

The crowd no longer engaged in their previous playful antics.

After the banquet, Xiao Ran, claiming that they had hit it off immediately, asked Miss Wan to escort her to the outer palace gate. Consort Xian, unable to refuse, had no choice but to agree.

Wanqing walked quickly ahead, pondering the Emperor's intentions. Xiaoran raised her hand and tugged at her sleeve, "Slow down, I have so much to say!"

"Don't say anything!" Wanqing whispered irritably.

Ran remained silent, only pulling Wanqing along as they walked slowly...

As they approached the palace gate, Xiao Ran stopped. "Just one sentence, just one sentence!" Wan Qing stood quietly, raising an eyebrow in inquiry.

"No matter why you came here, you absolutely, positively must come out safely!"

Wan Qing gazed quietly into the clear, beautiful phoenix eyes before her, scrutinizing the worry and helplessness within. Suddenly, she smiled and nodded vigorously!

Xiao Ran was overjoyed, "You promised, so don't be lazy! Okay! Well, I'm going back now, I'll come see you again tomorrow!" Seeing Wan Qing's furrowed brows, she quickly said, "Then the day after tomorrow, is the day after tomorrow okay?"

As Wan Qing pondered, she walked along the deserted stone path. The moonlight was dim, and suddenly she saw a shadowy figure appear in front of the pavilion on her right. Seeing that no one was around, she gathered her strength and followed. A moment later, they turned into a dark room.

"How are you doing?" Xuan Ying whispered from a few steps away.

"Good! We have found that there is only Granny Li in the dark palace. She went blind ten years ago, became deaf and mute seven years ago, and is now weak and frail. We cannot communicate with her unless we get close to her."

That's all?

Wan Qing remained silent.

"Then let's leave the palace tomorrow!"

Whether she heard it correctly or not, Wanqing felt that the voice was trying its best to hold back!

"No, now that we're here, we need to find out the truth."

"Oh, that's right. If you weren't confident, why would you have rashly entered the palace!"

The tone seemed gentle and appreciative, yet in the darkness it sent chills down one's spine—it sounded so much like the voice of a king! So this was the voice of a king! A self-deprecating laugh escaped him; his worries seemed unnecessary! Suddenly, the shadowy figure loomed before him. Even in the darkness, the burning rage in those phoenix eyes was visible, hot breath brushing against his face, a suppressed growl reaching his ears.

"How long are you going to keep this from me?!"

Wan Qing paused slightly, then slowly turned her head to the side. "Give me five days. Within five days, no matter what happens, do not make any moves. After five days, I will give you a clear answer!"

Her face was turned towards him, and a sharp, piercing gaze swept across her features. Wan Qing's eyes remained calm as she met his gaze for a long time.

"Alright! I believe you!" Xuan Ying let out a barely audible sigh, then turned and disappeared into the boundless darkness.

Wanqing returned to Xuanning Palace to retrieve her belongings and headed straight for Xiao'an Palace. Xiao'an Palace was where Aunt Wan had died of grief, and also where the Emperor sat in quiet contemplation every night! What deep affection could lead to nightly longing and gazing upon her portrait? What shallow affection could allow one to watch their beloved die? Resentment surged within Wanqing's heart as she rushed into the palace. The palace was unusually quiet. A dim candle stood before Aunt Wan's portrait, its light flickering, illuminating her smiling face. From the shadows came a deep, somber voice…

"You've finally arrived!"

43. The Dark Palace

Wanqing suddenly understood, and calmly turned towards the source of the voice, "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting!"

"I have waited for nearly twenty years to see who Ozawa has entrusted to!"

Wanqing approached step by step, and said with a light laugh, "Is Your Majesty satisfied?"

"The war is over, why don't you come to see me?"

"So you presumptuously claim you want to travel the world!"

"What are you hesitating about, young lady? Are you afraid that Jiu'er won't be able to bear it? But I don't want to wait any longer!"

Wan Qing slowly took the object out of her sleeve. She had found it in the hilt of her sword two months after obtaining the 'Chao Dan'. If she hadn't been able to break the 'Chao Dan' blood ring with her own power, she would never have been able to find it. The old fox had really thought of everything!

In the dim candlelight, a plain handkerchief fluttered open in Wan Qing's hands. The silk was slightly worn, but it was still recognizable as the imperial tribute satin from Guzhou. The edges of the handkerchief were embroidered with delicate flowers, extending to the corner in the shape of the character "婉" (Wan). Several dark red bloodstains, like fallen plum blossoms, were imprinted on the center of the handkerchief, emanating a faint—poisonous aura! Twenty years had not yet dissipated it!

Wan Qing chuckled with relief, "You endured it twenty years ago, but I was too lenient with Prince Qing!" She stared at his weathered phoenix eyes in the shadows for a moment, then said indifferently, "What interests me more is how you felt watching someone vomit poison and die day by day!"

A fleeting glint of grief and anger flashed in the dark, deep eyes, his tone chilling.