PM - 42

Fu Wei was momentarily stunned. “What do you want to do?”

Young people—so full of passion! She had known from the start that maintaining such a posture on their wedding night, entangled together, could only lead to trouble. The empress appeared impatient, her cheeks flushed—not out of mere shyness, but likely because she had become too immersed in her role, her breathless gasps fueling her own ardor. Her gaze, clouded with desire, made Fu Wei feel weary. She had tried her best to keep her distance, even hovering above him as if suspended in midair, straining more than if she were holding a horse stance. And now he dared to say such things? She felt an almost irresistible urge to kick him off the bed.

Lingjun was straightforward. “I’m still a man, Your Majesty, and you’re so beautiful…”

So what if he was a man? Did being a man mean he couldn’t control himself? Every time she teased the prime minister, he always remained steadfast, refusing to yield. If only Lingjun had such self-discipline, they wouldn’t be in this predicament now. Still, his second remark pleased her. Lingjun was a sharp-witted child; whether or not his words were sincere, he was far more endearing in his dealings than the prime minister.

How pitiful it was that the teacher fell short of the student! What a failure Lord Yan’s tutelage had been!

But no matter how charming or adorable Lingjun was, turning this charade into reality was out of the question. “You’re still young—you can’t call yourself a man yet.”

Lingjun grew agitated. “I’m only a year younger than you! Why do you always say such things that wound my pride? There are plenty of people who marry and have children at fourteen. I train in martial arts—I’m strong and healthy. Why can’t I consummate our marriage?”

This child could be quite willful at times. Pulling her waist down forcefully, Fu Wei ended up completely sprawled atop him. He seemed pleased with himself, arching his back slightly. “Look, Your Majesty, I keep my promises. Ever since I first saw you, I was utterly captivated. Perhaps you think I’m still too young, but in my eyes, we’re peers. A youthful couple should cherish each other even more deeply.”

Because attendants were stationed outside the bridal chamber, they had to lower their voices, which only added to the ambiguity. Without careful listening, their words might easily be mistaken for sweet nothings. When he thrust his hips upward, she immediately felt it and smacked him on the head. “Impertinent!”

The empress bared his teeth. “Your Majesty can’t hit me—if you damage me, I won’t be presentable tomorrow.”

She complained bitterly, muttering under her breath, “During our first two meetings, you seemed so mature and composed, which reassured me…”

“That’s because I wasn’t emotionally invested. When have you ever seen the Grand Tutor act coyly toward you?”

His response was undeniably logical… But regardless, there were lines that couldn’t be crossed. She pointed warningly at his nose twice. “I maintain my virtue and have no interest in children like you. Behave yourself and don’t make any rash moves.”

“You still prefer the prime minister and Attendant Shangguan!” he exclaimed indignantly. “Why can’t you include me?”

Fu Wei felt a headache coming on from his incessant chatter. She urged him to continue slapping his thigh while murmuring gloomily, “My affections have always belonged solely to the prime minister. You and Shangguan have nothing to do with it.”

Lingjun’s expressive eyes brimmed with hurt. “I’m the legitimate one, after all. Aren’t you afraid I’ll turn hatred into love?”

After pondering his words, she lightly furrowed her brow. “You’d best not overstep. Otherwise, I can arrange for your ‘demise’ within two days. Do you understand?”

Her tone wasn’t harsh, and she even smiled after speaking. But he knew better: this young emperor’s gentleness was never to be trusted. As they say, the heart of an emperor is unfathomable, and while women rulers might have their weaknesses, she embodied the worst of both worlds. She could be conciliatory or decisive—taming someone like her would be no easier than dealing with the prime minister.

His mind raced, and he knew better than to provoke her. Adopting a look of utter despair, he lamented, “It’s hardly auspicious for Your Majesty to become a widower just after your wedding! I misspoke earlier and won’t bring it up again. But you can’t stop me from loving you.”

Fu Wei didn’t want to engage in further nonsense. Amidst the rhythmic slaps, she turned her head away. “Do as you please.”

Suddenly, he let out a high-pitched shriek, startling her wide-eyed. Chuckling mischievously, he declared, “That’s enough. Your Majesty performed admirably for your first time—it’ll look impressive when recorded.”

Amused and exasperated, she tried to roll off him, but he pulled her close. “Hug me, Your Majesty. My thighs are swollen from all the slapping.” His tone was plaintive, and his ability to feign innocence rivaled hers.

Fu Wei reiterated firmly, “I already have someone I care for. Making you empress was merely a temporary measure.”

“I know,” he nodded. “You love him, and I love you. There’s no conflict.”

Fine. She had nothing more to say. He was unbearably clingy, and to shake him off, she gave him a perfunctory hug.

One above the other, the inevitable weight pressed down. Lingjun closed his eyes, savoring the sweet pressure—he loved bearing the load. For now, she was still preoccupied with thoughts of the prime minister. A young girl experiencing her first love often couldn’t forget the first person she’d fallen for. But as her thoughts matured, she would realize the vast age gap was problematic. When she turned twenty, the prime minister would be thirty-three; at forty, he’d be fifty-three. By the time she reached the age of understanding her destiny, he’d already be in his sixties… The thought alone was terrifying.

“Since Your Majesty hasn’t established a harem, it would be wise to spend nights in Changqiu Palace every few days.”

“Why?”

The empress spoke earnestly on her behalf. “You can’t live as you did before after marrying. I’m a living being, after all. If Your Majesty ignores me, not only will officials worry, but Empress Dowager Liang will be anxious too. Would you want others to say you’re incapable of intimacy?”

Such a reputation wouldn’t sound good. Fu Wei shook her head. “Then tell me this: if I frequently visit you but no pregnancy results, what then?”

He replied confidently, “I’ve already pretended to be a woman—I can pretend to be pregnant too. Worst case, I’ll miscarry after three or four months. That way, no one will doubt Your Majesty. Plus, I can claim illness and avoid public appearances altogether. Wouldn’t that be killing two birds with one stone?”

The emperor and empress discussed the plan thoroughly, reaching an agreement that left them both pleased. Side by side under the covers, they plotted late into the night. It was already deep into the night, the frost thick on the ground, with a solitary moon hanging high and small in the sky—the moonlight cast a somber glow.

________________________________________

The next day, the empress brought hazelnuts, chestnuts, and dates, accompanying the emperor to pay respects to Empress Dowager Liang at Yong’an Palace.

A beautifully embroidered canopy was set up in the main hall, where the dowager sat leaning on a low table, flanked by a colorful painted screen. A female historian placed a brocade cushion on the reed mat before her. The empress entered gracefully, raising her hands to eye level, and knelt deeply in obeisance. “May the Empress Dowager live ten thousand years, with boundless longevity.”

This was the dowager’s first meeting with the new empress. Traditionally, before the formal investiture of the empress, the dowager would have previewed her suitability. However, given the prime minister’s overly meticulous nature—and fearing any slight misstep might displease him—the dowager had opted against hosting a private banquet for the then-unwed empress-to-be.

Fortunately, upon seeing her today, the dowager found her satisfactory. She scrutinized the empress carefully: her figure was pleasing, and her face was attractive without appearing unreliable like some coquettish girls.

The historian presented the record of the previous night’s intimate activities. After a quick glance, the dowager smiled warmly and invited the emperor and empress to sit. Turning to the empress, she spoke gently, “Growing up in a royal household is lonely. From childhood to adulthood, the emperor has had few companions. Now that you’re married, while ministers may part ways eventually, husband and wife are bound for life. The emperor is busy with state affairs, managing myriad tasks daily. As empress, you must take extra care. Changqiu Palace has an office for the empress, and officials like the Chamberlain and the Minister of the Household serve under you. If anything is unclear, consult them for guidance.”

The empress responded respectfully, “As I am newly entering the palace, I humbly seek the Empress Dowager’s teachings if I fall short in any way.”

Who could casually instruct the prime minister’s adopted daughter? Moreover, as the mistress of the inner court, unless absolutely necessary, no one would dare disrupt the surface harmony.

Fu Wei sat kneeling nearby, her heart racing as the dowager conversed with Lingjun. Unlike last night, the empress wore minimal makeup today, making the differences between male and female more apparent. She worried that if the dowager noticed anything amiss, it would be highly embarrassing.

Yet, she had to admit, Lingjun had been well-trained by the prime minister. Every glance and gesture was poised and dignified. Compared to him, she probably fell far short. He smiled demurely, covering his mouth, a cypress fan resting lightly on his embroidered red robe. From her vantage point, the faint dimples on his cheeks made him look like a figure from a painting.

The dowager remarked, “Your Majesty is truly fortunate.”

She nodded repeatedly. “For years, I’ve been blessed by Mother’s protection. Now that I’ve grown up, it’s my turn to care for her in her later years.”

The dowager smiled approvingly. “This time, with the emperor’s wedding, most of the lords have arrived in the capital. Those of royal blood are kings, and those of noble rank are esteemed ministers. Choose a time to host a grand banquet in the Qiannian Wansui Hall to entertain the lords. And By the way…”

The dowager paused, hesitant to mention the need for the prime minister to relinquish power in front of the empress. But a subtle glance conveyed her meaning. Fu Wei understood immediately, bowing respectfully. “Understood. I shall follow your gracious instructions.”

The dowager appeared fatigued, so they didn’t linger long at Yong’an Palace before taking their leave. Lingjun walked beside her, whispering, “Your Majesty mustn’t forget—I have a younger brother who hasn’t yet taken office.”

Fu Wei glanced at him. “Isn’t the title of Marquis of Du supposed to pass to him? How can you say he doesn’t hold a position?”

Lingjun blinked at her. “I’m referring to a post within the palace. Regardless of merit, grant him the title of Attendant so he can serve by Your Majesty’s side and dedicate himself to your cause.”

Fu Wei understood he was referring to himself. Officially, Empress Nie had a younger brother. It was customary for the emperor to promote his brother-in-law to the position of Attendant. But did he really think everyone was blind? With attendants following them, she refrained from saying more, simply replying, “The young master is still too young. We can appoint him in two or three years. For now, let him focus on his studies—they’re more important than anything else.” They had reached the palace gate, and she smiled. “Empress, return to Changqiu Palace. I still have政务 to attend to, so I won’t accompany you further.”

The empress was clearly displeased. “What about the ancestral rites?”

She waved dismissively, pretending to head toward the Luqin Palace.

________________________________________

The entanglements of Government affairs were numerous and complex. Earlier, the dowager had mentioned hosting a banquet for the lords, a matter that required careful consideration. She turned to Shangguan Zhao. “The distribution of land to commoners for rent has been discussed for some time. With the lords gathered in the capital to celebrate the emperor’s marriage, this issue has come to a head. Several lords have reluctantly agreed to follow suit, while those stubbornly clinging to their lands now face mounting pressure. It seems they won’t be able to resist much longer.”

Shangguan Zhao confirmed, “I followed your orders and visited Zhao Yan, the chancellor of Wei. He has submitted a report to the Bookshelf. King Wei fully supports this initiative and plans to rally neighboring lords to address the nation’s difficulties.”

With her hands clasped behind her back, she walked in the sunlight, a broad smile spreading across her face. “This uncle of mine is truly a staunch ally of the prime minister. In the past, he was arrogant and refused to yield to anyone, despising the prime minister. Once, they even fought at Zhe Liu Slope outside the city. Though King Wei appears formidable, his bravery is largely exaggerated by his subordinates. When he fought the prime minister, he was no match. The prime minister was relentless—if he refused to yield, they fought until he begged for mercy. Later, the prime minister sent him two singing girls, which he happily took back to his fief, fathering two sons the following year. Since then, he’s treated the prime minister like a father…”

Shangguan Zhao was somewhat astonished, staring blankly at her. Realizing she had spoken too much, she cleared her throat awkwardly. “Ah… This is good. It avoids conflict, and family ties must still be cherished.”

Passing through Zhanghua Gate, it was only a short walk to the Luqin Palace. Though the distance wasn’t far, she walked slowly, savoring the winter sun. The newlywed emperor, perhaps because full governance was imminent, wasn’t as hurried as usual. Shangguan Zhao observed her leisurely pace, feeling a mix of emotions.

Last night, he had stood guard throughout the evening, watching her return to the bridal chamber and the lights extinguish one by one. Outside the lodge, frost covered his head. His heart felt crushed under the weight of uncertainty, leaving him breathless and unable to think clearly. He kept replaying the events of the bridal chamber—are they real or fake? If the empress were a woman, there would be no cause for concern. But if the empress were a man… the situation became complicated. He had secretly reviewed the historian’s records in the Shiqu Pavilion, which explicitly stated, “The empress removed her hairpins and earrings to please the emperor.” Even the sounds from the chamber were meticulously documented. Having experienced such matters himself, he understood the implications.

He studied her closely. Was she alright today? On the surface, there was no indication. Given her temperament, even if deeply wounded, she wouldn’t show it. But privately? She wouldn’t confide in anyone—he knew her disposition. He recalled the imperial maids who had served him; their reactions told him such experiences weren’t pleasant. Thinking of her enduring the same pain left him speechless with anguish.

He couldn’t ask her, nor comfort her. His grip on the sword hilt tightened. Seeing his silence, she turned to look at him, knowing they couldn’t openly discuss the matter. After some deliberation, she said, “If you feel you can’t remain in the palace, take Langlang and return to Wuling.”

Without hesitation, he replied, “I must stay by Your Majesty’s side. When I was transferred from the capital years ago, I regretted it deeply. Now that I’ve returned, unless Your Majesty kills me, I won’t leave your side.”

Recalling the prime minister’s words from last night, she suddenly felt uneasy and averted her gaze. “What talk of killing? I’ve never said I wanted you dead. If I wished for your demise, I could have exterminated the Shangguan clan during the rebellion case.”

He lowered his head, murmuring softly, “I understand. It’s my incompetence—I can’t assist you in any way.”

She chuckled softly. “I don’t need your help. I only need your obedience.” The sunlight shimmered on the roof of the hall. She sighed—the air was so cold, her breath forming clouds before her eyes. Rubbing her hands together, she said, “If Langlang’s wedding can be expedited, let’s arrange it as soon as possible.”

Her words were incomplete, but he already detected a dangerous undertone. Once a daughter marries, she becomes part of another family, severing ties with her natal home. Clearly, she didn’t trust Princess Dingyang. Was she planning to act on an uncertain accusation?

“Your Majesty…”

Before he could press further, her eyes suddenly brightened, a look of familial joy spreading across her face. She hurried forward. He turned to see—speak of the devil—Princess Dingyang had arrived at the most inopportune moment.

Frowning, he caught up. The princess greeted the emperor, who gently supported her arm and said warmly, “Aunt, no need for formalities. It’s cold outside—let’s speak indoors.”

The princess followed the emperor into the hall, speaking as they walked. “Congratulations on your recent marriage, Your Majesty. I haven’t yet had the chance to offer my blessings.”

The emperor laughed heartily. “Thank you, Aunt. Since yesterday’s ceremony didn’t include a feast, the clan members couldn’t gather. Tomorrow, I’ll host a banquet in the Qiannian Wansui Hall. After reigning for so many years, my uncles and elders have been stationed in distant regions. Even when I longed to see them, there was rarely an opportunity to reunite. Tomorrow is the perfect occasion—coinciding with the empress’s investiture, amnesty will be declared, and the pavilion has already drafted a new era name to mark the beginning of a new reign.”

The princess feigned surprise and delight. “Indeed, now that Your Majesty is married and will soon assume full governance, it’s fitting to proclaim a new era.”

“But…” the emperor interjected, causing the princess to pause. Seated on a brocade cushion, the noblewoman appeared uneasy. After a brief silence, she asked, “Aunt, have you seen the Empress Dowager since entering the palace?”

The princess tucked her hands and replied, “I came specifically to see Your Majesty today. The common folk in the southeast are starving, and the nobles with封邑 have distributed their lands for cultivation. Even Lord Gai cannot remain idle. My lord is stationed far in the north and couldn’t attend your wedding. I received a letter from him, instructing me to personally report the land distribution matter to Your Majesty. Local officials have already begun organizing it, and the distribution will commence shortly. Additionally, I fear I won’t be able to attend tomorrow’s banquet—my lord has suddenly fallen gravely ill, and I’m deeply concerned. I plan to rush to Wuyuan tonight and bid farewell to Your Majesty.”

The emperor expressed surprise. “Lord Gai has always been robust. How did he suddenly fall ill? The northern frontiers must be bitterly cold—it’s unfortunate for him. If that’s the case, I won’t detain you… What about Langlang? Will he stay in Yucheng or return to the north with you?”

The princess smiled. “Langlang has always been attached to me, never leaving my side since childhood. I’ll take him with me. By February next year, we can return to prepare for the wedding—there should be ample time.”

Though the emperor smiled, her eyes grew distant. “Very well. Tending to your father’s illness is Langlang’s filial duty. Aunt, is there anything you need to bring back to the north? I’ll have Zhao arrange it immediately.”

“No, no…” the princess hastily declined. “Zhao has official duties—he shouldn’t be troubled.” Rising, she added, “The journey is long, and I can’t delay. Allow me to take my leave. I’ll also visit the Empress Dowager at Yong’an Palace.”

The emperor nodded, gesturing graciously. “Safe travels, Aunt.”

After the princess departed, the emperor stood at the door, watching her hurry out of the palace gates. She lingered pensively under the eaves for a long time.

Shangguan Zhao nervously observed the emperor’s expression. “Is Princess Dingyang returning to the north?”

Turning back, she gave him an impassive glance. “Send someone to the prime minister’s office and request a meeting.”

Before Shangguan Zhao could comply, Hulü Puzhao interjected with a bow. “Your Majesty, the prime minister is unwell today. His chief clerk previously informed us. Since the princess was present, I didn’t mention it earlier.”

She let out a derisive laugh. “Unwell? How curious—this man hasn’t been sick in ten years…” Reflecting further, she discerned something deeper. Was this sudden illness a ploy to delay relinquishing power, or had last night’s worries and frustrations literally made him ill?