PM - 46

When the Empress entered, the court attendants had just finished cleaning up the scattered items in the hall. Two maids were kneeling on the floor, using wet cloths to scrub the ink stains from the gaps in the floorboards. Seeing the pair of green shoes cross the threshold, they immediately crawled backward to the sides and deeply bowed their heads to pay respects to the Empress.

“Is His Majesty displeased?” the Empress peeked her head forward, “Why does he look so resentful?”

Fu Wei straightened her expression, saying there was no displeasure, glancing at him and asking, “Isn’t it time for the evening meal? Why have you come, Empress?”

The Empress smiled, tucking her sleeves, “I... I came to dine with Your Majesty. Your Majesty has been alone for so long, surely the meals must be tasteless.”

Could she send him back to Changqiu Palace and stop him from constantly lingering around? Though Fu Wei didn’t dislike him, she had no intention of complicating what should have been a simple relationship. The Chancellor had sent him as an emergency measure, but now she found herself having to expend energy dealing with him, which was counterproductive.

However, today was only the second day of their marriage. Regardless of feelings, they needed to appear harmonious for others’ sake.

She forced a smile, “Empress has thoughtfully come; let’s have the evening meal served...”

“Will Your Majesty not come to Changqiu Palace? We agreed that you would spend the night there,” the Empress said with some dissatisfaction, his cherry-red lips pouting prettily. One glance from the young emperor made her quickly avert her eyes.

Fu Wei was always worried that Lingjun’s frequent appearances might arouse suspicion. She observed him coldly for a while; his delicate figure didn’t reveal much. Fortunately, he was young. A fourteen-year-old girl could pass for older, but a fourteen-year-old boy still carried a certain youthful innocence, less mature than a girl.

He invited her to Changqiu Palace, but she didn’t want to go. Performing on the wedding night was unavoidable, but now it was best to avoid it if possible. Moreover, she and the Chancellor had already settled matters—she was practically spoken for. Entangling further with Lingjun would make things difficult to explain to the Chancellor.

She adjusted her sleeves and said, “I won’t go tonight. There is too much state business, leaving me utterly exhausted.”

The little Empress sighed softly, “It’s only the second day, and already love wanes? Your Majesty must not act this way. Government affairs are important, but so is daily life. Having just entered the palace, my only support is Your Majesty. Please don’t leave me alone in the cold depths of the palace. If you won’t go to Changqiu Palace, then I will accompany you here. How about that?”

Fu Wei faintly recalled the first time she brought him into the palace. The carriage had stopped in the open space outside the main hall, exposing him to the harsh realities of palace life. Back then, he had endured everything, vowing to close his doors after the winter solstice and see no one... Well, the winter solstice hadn’t arrived yet, so he could endure a couple more days.

She waved her wide sleeve, ordering the meal to be served. Everything was prepared in the eastern chamber, with separate dining tables for both of them—it didn’t matter whether he accompanied her or not.

“Did Your Majesty visit the Chancellor’s residence today?” Lingjun put down his bowl and chopsticks to ask.

Fu Wei nonchalantly hummed in response, “The Chancellor is unwell. I had matters to discuss with him, so I went to visit.”

“The Princess acted too hastily. If she wanted to return to Shuofang, she could have done so at any time; why the rush? However, with various lords and envoys gathered in the capital these days, it’s better she leaves early.” He raised his eyes and smiled at her, “The Chancellor must share the same opinion, right?”

Lingjun, emerging from the Chancellor’s tutelage, was privy to significant secrets. Even if he inquired about trivial matters, she didn’t mind. However, she preferred he didn’t know overly specific details, simply saying, “The Chancellor and I have discussed and settled everything. We’ll handle the subsequent matters appropriately.”

The young Empress looked resentful again, “Indeed, ‘settled appropriately.’ I know all about it. I’m wondering if I should congratulate Your Majesty on getting what she desired.”

Fu Wei looked at him in surprise, “How did you find out?”

Everything had been kept secret, with no one else present at the time. How did the news reach his ears? She felt a faint anger. Imperial matters were leaking out so easily—it was time for a thorough cleanup. He was also guilty, deliberately prying into the emperor’s affairs. If he were truly the Empress, his position would be precarious.

“Do you know about Changmen Palace?” she smiled, “Does the Empress wish to emulate Chen Ajiao?”

Lingjun paused slightly, “Did Your Majesty emerge from the Chancellor’s residence with a beaming face? It wasn’t like that before. I remember every time Your Majesty left, you either looked dejected or angry. This time being so different, it clearly isn’t good news for me. Your Majesty can’t be unreasonable. I am the Empress, so there should be some connection. Are you instructing me to remain oblivious and confining me to the cold palace... Have you forgotten the bond we formed yesterday?”

To hear someone say she was being unreasonable—he was the first. Fu Wei looked at him gloomily, “We never tied our hair together. Don’t make things up!”

He continued to argue stubbornly, “In any case, we’ve shared a meal, completing the ritual.”

Had she found someone to quarrel with? She ground her teeth and said, “Empress, don’t think using jealousy as an excuse will spare you from blame.”

“So Your Majesty wants to make me into Nie Ajiao—I understand.”

Quarreling on the second day of marriage wasn’t ideal. She calmed herself by pressing her forehead before saying, “I only need someone residing in Changqiu Palace. If you disobey, I can restrict your movements, so don’t provoke me.” Lowering her voice, she covered her mouth with her sleeve and added, “Please remember our relationship. That day, I made things clear to you, and you agreed. If you regret now, I can’t help but question your integrity.”

Lingjun showed a look of disappointment, “If I hadn’t fallen for Your Majesty, my integrity would certainly be reliable.”

Fu Wei found it perplexing, “What do you like about me? Based on just a few encounters?”

The Empress began recalling the past, tilting his head slightly with admiration in his eyes, “I remember when Your Majesty visited Yuebaoli for Lord Shangguan’s affair... Amidst the lush phoenix tails, Your Majesty approached with the wind beneath your feet. From afar, I saw you and thought, if this person treats me with even a fraction of sincerity, I’d die without regrets. Later, when I married Your Majesty, climbing those high red steps to enter the great hall, Your Majesty waited for me at the end of the carpet. Do you know how moved I was?” He shook his head sentimentally, “If unattainable, one wouldn’t yearn. Now, in this situation, it’s hard not to be smitten.”

A fourteen-year-old child, once wedded, seems bound for life. Fu Wei reiterated, “You’re still young, you don’t understand what love is. When you have the chance to see the outside world, you’ll realize this jest of a marriage means nothing.”

After hearing this, the Empress fell silent, pressing his hands on his knees. After the eunuchs cleared the dining table, he remained motionless.

Fu Wei hesitated at his demeanor, “What’s wrong? Did my words displease you?”

“In a few years... When I turn seventeen, or even twenty, if I still feel the same way about you, would you consider it?”

An extraordinary sovereign shouldn’t dwell on romantic entanglements. Her mind was full of Prince Jing, leaving her no interest in discussing such matters. Coincidentally, Jianye relayed a message that Lord Shangguan had returned to the palace to report. Eager to inquire about the results, she ignored his words, stood up, and said, “I have urgent matters to attend to. Empress, retire to the small quarters and settle in first.” Without waiting for his response, she hurriedly left.

“It won’t...” The Empress sighed despondently, answering himself, “Even if I live to a hundred, it won’t be.” He stood up, finding his trailing robes inconvenient to move in. Frowning, he glanced outside. Shangguan Zhao—a more tragic existence. Men around the empress either remained detached or plunged into the netherworld upon falling in love. Walking a tightrope in love, whether it ends well depends on fate. His future as Empress wasn’t optimistic. As she said, when no longer needed, he would probably meet his demise.

Meanwhile, Fu Wei returned to the main hall to receive Shangguan Zhao. Lamps were lit in the hall—the winter candlelight was cold. He bowed deeply to her, “Reporting to Your Majesty, the Princess’s carriage departed at the afternoon hour.”

“And the Princess? Did she finally leave with the Princess?”

Shangguan Zhao replied negatively, “I strongly persuaded her. Initially, the Princess refused, but due to the severe cold, pitying the Princess suffering from the cold, she reluctantly agreed. Currently, the Princess is in my residence. If Your Majesty deems it appropriate, I will escort her into the palace tomorrow morning.”

Wasn’t this what she hoped for? Keeping the Princess as a hostage, he had accomplished it. Yet, her gaze probed deeply, noticing subtle changes in his appearance.

“Your Majesty...” Seeing her non-response, Shangguan Zhao grew somewhat uneasy.

She lightly lifted her wide sleeve, “Let’s ask the Princess’s intentions—to see whether she wishes to stay in the Marquis’s residence or come into the palace.” Observing Shangguan Zhao subtly exhale in relief, she added, “I’m curious, what reason did you use to persuade the Princess to leave the Princess behind?”

Shangguan Zhao nervously raised his eyes. She usually called him by name, but this time she used “you,” causing his heart to race uncontrollably. She was no ordinary girl; the heart of an emperor was unpredictable. One moment it was like this, the next completely different.

He stammered, “Does Your Majesty suspect me?”

Her expression was blank, eventually breaking into a smile, “Where did you get such thoughts? Why would I suspect you?”

But whether she truly suspected him, he knew in his heart. He stared at her stubbornly, his eyes filled with sorrow, “I request permission to follow the Princess’s carriage...”

She said it wasn’t necessary, “Stay in the capital. I need you here.”

This was the friend who grew up alongside her innocently. Once suspicion crept in, it would only escalate in the future. Eager to mend fences, he hastily said, “I didn’t discuss anything else with the Princess...”

She still smiled, “I know. No need to elaborate. Since the Princess is in your residence, return tonight. Langlang is young and needs your care. Once everything is settled in the residence, you can return to the palace.”

Such favor—it was uncertain whether it was a blessing or a curse. Shangguan Zhao gazed at her wordlessly, ultimately sighing deeply and bowing out of the main hall.

Hulü Puzhao approached, seeing his troubled expression and hesitantly asked, “What happened? Did His Majesty reprimand you?”

Even among the same attendants, many affairs were handled without coordination. Shangguan Zhao, feeling low, patted his shoulder. He then asked again, “Did His Majesty order the Princess into the palace?”

It would have been better if ordered inside. Staying in his residence was the real trouble. He originally wished to distance himself, but now it seemed, once stuck in the mud, there was no escaping unscathed. He looked back at the grand hall where his most cherished person once resided. He had dedicated himself to protecting her. But now, she seemed to have grown up, no longer needing his protection, making him feel estranged and anxious. There was no pure friendship between an emperor and anyone else—everything served the greater cause. No matter how deep the original bond, it could vanish instantly.

Returning to Yan Hall, Fu Wei was still pondering. Given the Princess’s eagerness to leave the capital, agreeing to leave Langlang behind was intriguing. Shangguan was a good man; sometimes good intentions lead to bad outcomes. She wasn’t worried that the Princess suddenly realized giving the child a lifeline. She feared that Shangguan might have revealed something, forcing the Princess to comply. What should she do... She mulled it over while walking. A twelve-year-old child might not be entirely ignorant. Allowing her to live—was this decision right or wrong?

On the bed platform, the Empress lay restlessly. Seeing her enter, he turned his body, draping a languid arm over the brocade quilt, “Your Majesty has been busy all day; it’s time to rest. I’ve prepared bathwater for you to relax your muscles.” Saying this, he rose eagerly, “Allow me to assist Your Majesty in bathing.”

Fu Wei was startled and quickly pushed him back down, “It’s cold; I fear the Empress might catch a chill. Just lie down, no need to trouble yourself.”

He chuckled awkwardly and swiftly retreated into the side chamber.

Stripping off her clothes and sinking into the hot water, her weary limbs finally relaxed after a long day. Steam enveloped the tub; she turned her face to look at the bronze mirror. Within it was a slender maiden, her long hair casually pinned up, her cheeks flushed from the steam, her eyes bright. For so many years, she hadn’t paid much attention to her appearance. Unless it was bitterly cold, she was too lazy to apply facial oil. Fortunately, fate had been kind to her. Despite playing the role of a man’s caretaker for so long, she hadn’t become unattractive. At least, when facing her lover openly in the future, her body would still be presentable.

Thinking of him, her heart raced like a deer bounding. She had been too busy during the day to reflect until night. Finally, he relented. She still found it hard to believe, even fearing that next time they met, he might become distant and aloof again. Hopefully, it was just her overthinking. Even if delirious from illness, the Chancellor had to keep his word. Secretly pleased, she pressed her hand to her lips. They were soft—had she disappointed him?

Today, he kissed her! She clasped her hands over her heart, not succumbing to her intimidation but willingly! She began constructing a perfect future in her mind—they loved each other, having two beautiful and adorable children. Ideally, the firstborn would be a girl, and the future princess could raise her younger brother. Thus, even if they distanced themselves from the imperial city and politics, her brother wouldn’t feel lost.

An empress couldn’t reign forever. She needed to consider her exit strategy. Standing at the pinnacle of power for so many years wasn’t because she enjoyed conquests but because circumstances compelled her to fight... Ah, she missed him so much, thinking of him constantly. Was he thinking of her too? If only she could see him. Unfortunately, he was ill, and she was in the so-called “honeymoon,” unable to sneak out to see him...

She splashed a handful of water on her face, feeling her soul drift. Yearning fruitlessly caused sleepless nights; now that she had obtained what she desired, she couldn’t sleep even more.

Returning to the bed platform, she couldn’t stop smiling, but because of Lingjun’s presence, she had to feign a cold demeanor. It was uncomfortable having a stranger nearby. Feeling disheartened, she glanced toward the curtains. Despite layers of obstruction, she could still see half of his body revealed behind the screen. Suppressing her voice, she said, “You needn’t stay until dawn tonight. Request the lamps soon.”

The Empress watched her roll up her sleeves and pat her arms. Since his previous demonstration, she no longer needed his help and could manage well on her own. Requesting lamps for departure was an honor reserved for higher-ranking concubines. However, being sent back to the palace late at night wasn’t particularly glorious.

“Has Your Majesty considered the fear of gossip? Lords and envoys from various states are in the capital.”

If she hadn’t reconciled with the Chancellor today, she might have tolerated Lingjun sleeping in her bed another night. But since matters were settled, she needed to respect everyone involved and couldn’t remain ambiguous.

“Is the Empress afraid of losing face?”

Lingjun cleverly concealed his displeasure under a ripple of eye movements, “I’m considering Your Majesty’s well-being.”

She said it didn’t matter, “I will personally escort the Empress back to Changqiu Palace, then you can ‘fall ill’ and close your doors to visitors.”

Lingjun laughed, what a clever plan. He blinked, “I’m growing fonder of Your Majesty. I wish three years would pass in a single night.”

Fu Wei frowned, lowering her sleeves.

“Let’s go.” She stood up and put on her clothes.

Lingjun sighed softly, “It’s chilly outside; it might snow. I’m a man, unafraid of the cold. Your Majesty needn’t escort me.”

He quickly dressed properly. Fu Wei stepped down from the bed platform and summoned the Chief Eunuch, giving the command, “Request the lamps.” Outside, they understood the situation. The Empress’s senior maid waited beyond the curtain. When the Empress emerged, she stepped forward to assist, but Lingjun disliked others getting too close, showing evident aversion as he pulled his hand back and walked out without looking back.

Fu Wei stood by the window watching. The path was illuminated by a line of lanterns stretching northward. She exhaled in relief, knowing this action displeased him. However, she had clarified things before the wedding. Though there was a sense of guilt, it didn’t weigh heavily on her.

She paced around the hall—Ruchun... Ruchun... Walking out of the inner chambers, she encountered Jianye. Under the dim yellow light, his face appeared ghostly as he looked up, “The wind outside cuts like a knife. Your Majesty should wear a cloak.”

A chilling sensation indeed crept up her ankles. She stood for a while, “I wonder how the Chancellor’s condition is. When I left, his fever hadn’t subsided... Order someone to check outside. If there’s no improvement, immediately send a physician from the Imperial Medical Office.”

“Yes.” Jianye took the order and exited the small quarters, hurrying to find the guards on the corridor.

She sat on the wooden steps of the bed platform. The inner chambers were warmed by a brazier, so she didn’t feel cold. After waiting half an hour, she finally heard movement outside. Jianye entered, sleeves tucked, reporting that the Chancellor had slightly improved compared to the morning, but still wasn’t well, alternating between fever and chills, unable to rise.

She silently clenched her fists, half-worried, half-suspicious. If he were genuinely gravely ill, she wouldn’t blame him at all—she had told him not to attend. But if he deliberately avoided attending for selfish reasons, it would hurt her deeply.

Ultimately, trust was difficult. Sometimes, she hated herself for overthinking and becoming too burdened. Continuing like this felt like heading towards madness. But she had seen and experienced too many conspiracies since childhood, nurtured by such schemes. Fully trusting him was something she couldn’t achieve in the short term. What to do!