Chapter 13: Song Zhao’s Service to the Emperor 1

Chapter 13: Song Zhao’s Service to the Emperor 1

The weather had been oppressively heavy since the evening.

The air was thick with moisture, and occasional muffled rumbles of thunder echoed from the dark, dense clouds.

When the phoenix palanquin stopped outside Chaoyang Palace, Song Zhao looked up at the ink-black sky,

Thinking that after so many sultry days, a good rain was overdue.

Zhang Jiugui bowed and led Song Zhao into Chaoyang Palace, escorting her to a side hall where a familiar-looking nanny was waiting.

Zhang Jiugui introduced her to Song Zhao, "This is the Royal Nanny, responsible for instructing you on the protocols of serving the Emperor."

As the conversations between the women were not for a eunuch's ears, he waited outside the door.

The nanny told Song Zhao, "The rules for serving the Emperor are numerous but not overly complicated. Just remember two things: compliance and accommodation.

Our Emperor is young, having ascended the throne at twenty-one and now reigning for three years. By the time of his birthday in September, he'll be just twenty-four, in the prime of his life.

When serving the Emperor, never go against his wishes or spoil his mood. Simply follow his lead and please him, easing the fatigue of his daily governance. That will be your accomplishment.

Before serving, a palace maid will accompany you to bathe and change, and then take you to the Emperor's chamber. After serving, someone will escort you back to your palace. Of course, if the Emperor favors you and grants a decree for an overnight stay, that would be most fortunate."

After listening, Song Zhao nodded earnestly, "Thank you for the guidance, I'll remember all of it."

The nanny then arranged for a palace maid to take Song Zhao for her bath.

After bathing, consorts and concubines were typically attended by someone who would help them with makeup and dressing.

However, Zhang Jiugui privately reminded the maid,

"The red rash on Song's face, a reaction she has not yet recovered from, should not be covered with makeup at this time. If the rash worsens under the irritation, it would be worse."

"Song has delicate features and a beautiful countenance, a mere rash cannot mar her beauty. The Empress's intention is to present Song 'unadorned' to the Emperor. Do you understand the Empress's meaning, Madam?"

The maid smiled apologetically, "The Empress is absolutely right, I understand what to do."

So, after bathing and changing that evening, no one came to apply makeup on Song Zhao; instead, she was directly sent to Emperor Xiao Jingheng's sleeping quarters.

When she arrived, Emperor Xiao Jingheng was sitting on a heated platform, reviewing memorials.

Hearing Song Zhao's entrance, he did not look up, continuing to elegantly mark the memorials with his red brush.

The flickering candlelight in the hall cast a warm, dusky glow, creating a cozy ambiance.

Thick, white smoke from the burning agarwood in the Boshan incense burner rose in delicate strands, forming a misty veil before Emperor Xiao Jingheng.

This was Song Zhao's first encounter with her husband,

and as rumored, Xiao Jingheng was extraordinarily handsome, the very image of imperial grace.

His dense, orderly eyebrows and obsidian-like pupils lent him a gaze both deep and resolute,

while his straight nose and thin lips added an air of unapproachable aloofness.

Perhaps, this sense of distance was innate to his imperial aura.

Song Zhao spread her skirt and knelt down slowly, respectfully greeting him:

"Concubine Song Zhao pays respect to Your Majesty, wishing you eternal life and endless blessings."

At her words, Xiao Jingheng's pen paused.

He glanced up at Song Zhao and commanded, "Lift your head and answer."

His deep, compelling voice resonated in Song Zhao's ears,

Prompted, she lifted her head, but as court etiquette dictated, she kept her eyes demurely lowered, her gaze evasive.

Xiao Jingheng noticed her nervousness and discomfort, and also saw the dense rash on her face.

He had already heard about this Song Zhao from the Empress, long before her service in his chambers.

The Empress had described her as being exceptionally beautiful and charming, but suffering from an allergy to peach blossom pollen, which caused red rashes on her face.

Upon meeting her today, it was clear the Empress's words were no exaggeration.

Despite the alarming rashes on Song Zhao's face, her features were undeniably exquisite.

Xiao Jingheng’s gaze did not linger on her,

Merely glancing once before quickly returning his attention to the memorials.

Yet, he did not ignore Song Zhao completely, instructing her, “Come forward and assist with the ink and brush.”

“Yes, at your service,” she replied.

Song Zhao gracefully approached Xiao Jingheng’s side,

She slightly rolled up her sleeves, revealing a stretch of fair and delicate wrist, then took a vermilion ink stick and began grinding the ink.

‘Rumble’

Thunder sounded increasingly closer outside the window.

Song Zhao’s hand trembled while grinding the ink, causing a drop to spill outside the inkstone.

She quickly used a handkerchief from her waist to wipe the ink spot.

Xiao Jingheng glanced sideways, his tone cold as he asked, “Are you afraid?”

“No, not afraid.”

Song Zhao's voice stuttered, trembling slightly, clearly a lie.

Emperor Xiao Jingheng could tell she was putting on a brave front, but he did not press further and continued to quietly review the memorials.

Soon, the sound of light rain began to patter outside the window.

The rain intensified, and the wind grew stronger, eventually blowing open the diamond-shaped window beside the heated platform, letting in the dampness and gusts of wind, which knocked a memorial off the edge of the desk.

Song Zhao hurried to the window, forcefully closing and latching the diamond-shaped window.

She then turned, picked up the fallen memorial, and presented it to Xiao Jingheng with both hands.

"Throughout these actions, Xiao Jingheng did not even glance at her once."

"Only the sound of rain hitting the eaves outside grew louder, and he casually recited a line of poetry,"

"'A night of gentle thunder weaves a thousand threads, clear light shimmers on tiles in uneven jade hues.'"

"Unexpectedly, a soft feminine voice responded to him,"

"'Tender peonies weep with spring's tears, powerless roses lie on morning branches.'"

A glint of starlight flashed in Xiao Jingheng's eyes as he raised his eyebrows and reassessed Song Zhao.

"This is a hidden poem by Qin Guan, not very famous and seldom known. How do you know it?"

Song Zhao's beautiful eyes shimmered, her cheeks rosy, as she spoke softly, "My father loved poetry, and I, being constantly exposed to it, have picked up a bit. Flaunting this in front of Your Majesty, I fear I've made myself a laughing stock."

This time, they were less than three feet apart, allowing Xiao Jingheng to see her more clearly.

Every frown and smile of hers seemed to have an innate charm.

Just now, when she braved the rain to close the window, her cheeks and temples were wet with raindrops,

Xiao Jingheng reached out to brush the water droplets from her cheek, but Song Zhao instinctively stepped back, trying to dodge.

But it was already too late.

The moment Xiao Jingheng's fingers touched Song Zhao's cheek, the droplet was wiped away, smearing the red rash that was also there.

Xiao Jingheng rubbed the paint-stained water on his fingertips,

Seeing this, Song Zhao was greatly alarmed and quickly knelt down,

"Your Majesty, please forgive me..."

Xiao Jingheng's sharp gaze met Song Zhao's panicked eyes,

He flicked the water from his fingertips, his deep voice filled with an overwhelming sense of oppression,

"By doing this, do you wish to avoid serving in my chamber?"