Chapter 373 – The Cold and Warmth Are Known Only to oneself

Chapter 373 - The Cold and Warmth Are Known Only to oneself

Choosing compromise might not be a bad thing. It would preserve both herself and the Zhang siblings. She only hoped that the pair of siblings would live up to the Empress Dowager's compromise.

Sometimes, Yun Li thought she could understand the Empress Dowager's love and guilt towards Hua Ying.

When guilt and sorrow fermented for too long, it likely led to unconditional indulgence. Yet, the Empress Dowager could still pull herself back from the brink, truly an extraordinary woman.

Everyone had moments of foolishness in their lives, so it was no wonder that the Empress Dowager had her share.

It was just a pity that such a person was born in the wrong era. In the end, she could only be trapped in this harem, spending her life engaging in intrigues with others.

Looking at the swaying tree branches outside, Yun Li noticed that it was already October, and the few remaining leaves on the branches were being swept away by the wind.

The scene was bleak.

Yin Cha draped a cloak over her. "Your Highness, put this on. It's cold near the entrance. There's wind today, and the sky looks gloomy. It might snow."

Yun Li nodded. "Yes, it seems like it's going to snow."

Sure enough, even before nightfall, snowflakes began to flutter down. The wind didn't cease; if anything, it grew stronger as the evening progressed.

Yet, the Emperor still arrived.

He didn't inquire about the Empress Dowager's summons to Yun Li. Yun Li didn't offer an explanation either.

The matter seemed to pass without further discussion.

Meanwhile, in An Yi Hall, He Shi huddled in a corner, shedding tears.

In the depths of winter, she wore only a casual robe, and the quilt was thin. With the howling wind and falling snow, the palace hall was devoid of any warmth, leaving her shivering.

She wasn't a particularly strong person to begin with, and now, she wept so hard that she hiccupped. Yet, in the long, dark night, no one came to her aid.

When the cold became unbearable in the latter half of the night, she resolved to seek help, fearing she might freeze to death. Wrapping herself in the quilt, she went out in search of someone. But why would anyone be at the door? As soon as it closed behind her, all traces of life seemed to vanish.

She called out for a while, but receiving no response, she had no choice but to return.

The room was just as cold as the outdoors.

There wasn't even a canopy on the bed.

Forget about hot water; without a fire, how could there be any?

She curled back up, crying as she waited for dawn. After all, she had given birth to the Seventh Princess. Could they really let her freeze and starve to death? She was also His Majesty's cousin, yet he was being so ruthless.

She wept for a while and cursed, knowing that in this blizzard, no one would hear her anyway.

In Jade Channel Palace, Yun Li was burning up and struggling fiercely.

He Jinli didn't let go despite being kicked several times.

He was kicked awake. "Why do you sleep like you're in a fight?"

The emperor complained, exhausted.

"The room was heated with an underground stove, and a brazier was lit before bedtime. There's even a hot water bottle on the bed. Yet, Your Majesty still clings to it. Isn't it too warm?" Yun Li rolled over and complained.

She threw off the covers in annoyance before turning back over. "Someone, bring me some water."

In no time, Lu Wei responded from outside, and the lamp was lit.

Hekai Li sighed and lay flat, covering his face with the blanket. "I'm not getting any younger, you know. Elderly people tend to feel the cold more."

Yun Li chuckled. "What nonsense are you spouting?"

She kicked Hekai Li's waist again with her delicate foot. "Have some water."

Lu Wei and Shao Yao entered. Shao Yao held the lamp, while Lu Wei carried a water kettle.

After placing the lamp, they quickly poured two cups of light tea.

Although it wasn't ideal to drink tea at night, neither Yun Li nor Hekai Li had trouble sleeping after having tea, and they didn't fancy plain water.

Thus, this was just right – a slight hint of tea flavor.

Hekinli sat up with his eyes closed, murmuring, "Truly exhausting."

Peony bowed her head as she offered the tea to His Majesty. Yun Li thought to herself that Peony was new to serving this year; the others had been around for quite some time. It was time to promote the younger ones.

In case any of the older servants left the palace to get married, there would still be others to take their place.

Over on Yun Li's side, Reeds brought her a cup of tea.

After both of them had sipped it, they indeed felt much of their restlessness dissipate.

Lying down again, Heng Jinli's hand still found its way to Yun Li's waist. "I see that you're disdainful of me now. Back in our youth, you didn't act this way. Now, you're either too warm or too cold – it's all because you disdain me, isn't it?"

Yun Li was speechless. After a moment, she kicked him fiercely. "Turn away from me."

Heng Jinli chuckled and did as she asked, turning his back to her.

Yun Li pressed against him, wrapping her arms around him from behind, and then pulled the covers up.

After drinking some water, the heat seemed to subside slightly.

Hekinli closed his eyes, a faint smile playing on his lips in the darkness.

This posture was uniquely Yunny's.

Mainly because others dared not attempt it; when he spent the night with other consorts, if they turned their back to him, they wouldn't even dare to touch him.

For turning away was, in itself, a form of rejection.

But Yunli seemed to adore this position; if she wanted to, she would not let his back be the end of it.

Moreover, she appeared to have a particular fondness for this stance.

Both of them slept until dawn. On this rare occasion when Hekinli didn't have an early morning court session, they woke up a little later than usual.

Since he was already late, Yunli spared herself the early morning greetings.

After their meal, Hekinli said, "Let's leave things at that. I'll have those unrelated individuals dealt with. You don't need to concern yourself further."

Yunli nodded. "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your efforts."

"It's alright." He seemed to have more to say but held back in the end.

He merely patted Yun Li's hand a few times and said, "I'll be busy for now. I'll join you for dinner tonight. It's cold today, so it's best if you don't go out unless necessary."

Yun Li smiled as she got up, draped a cloak over him, and saw him off at the palace gate. "Your Majesty, farewell."

He Jinning left with a smile.

After Yun Li returned, Hubian came in to report. "Your Highness."

"What is it?"

"Reporting to Your Highness, Miao Ju has been executed by hanging. Her brother's family has also been imprisoned. The child has been sent away."

Yun Li nodded, feeling no guilt whatsoever.

Loving one's child was not wrong, nor was sacrificing for them.

But if you harmed others because of your love for your own child, then neither you nor your child could claim innocence in the consequences that followed.

"There's one more thing, General Fu's second son is betrothed to Lady Shu's niece, and their wedding is imminent," said Zhu Niao.

"Oh? I haven't heard about this before. Niece, you mean her sister's daughter?" Yun Li inquired.

"Indeed, Your Majesty, it's the daughter of Lady Shu's younger sister," Zhu Niao replied.

Though she was referred to as the younger sister, it was because Lady Shu had given birth rather late in life that her sibling already had several children.

The girl about to be married was also sixteen years old.

"Fu Jingyang is soon to assume the position of Chief Commander. It's a fine match indeed," Yun Li observed.

The original Commander of the Capital Guards was General Hu, but due to his advanced age, he had officially retired this year.

The previous Dragon Squad Commander, Jiang Ming, had served in that role during the previous emperor's reign and was now set to take up a post in the Ministry of War.

In reality, over the past decade, Zhuang Shen had taken on more responsibility for managing the Dragon Squad.

Zhuang Shen and Fu Jingyang had been part of the emperor's inner circle since the East Palace days, both rising from the ranks of guards.

They were initially chosen from the ranks of the Dragon Marches Guard, the elite among elites.

Moreover, they were around the same age as His Majesty, in their prime.

Thus, after General Hu retired, Zhuang Shen took over the position of Grand General of the Capital's Defense Army directly.

As for Fu Jingyang, it was only natural that he assumed command of the Dragon Marches Guard, safeguarding the imperial palace's security.