Chapter 421 – Extra: The Blossoming of the Hu Family’s Maiden

Chapter 421 - Extra: The Blossoming of the Hu Family's Maiden

Few in the palace knew that Hu's maiden name was Linxia.

It was a name bestowed by her grandmother when she was young, reasoning that with their family surname being Hu, it was difficult to find a suitable name. Thus, she was named Linxia, signifying the arrival of summer when flowers bloom.

Hu Tai Fu chuckled, deeming the name both common and elegant, yet surprisingly fitting.

And so, Hu became known as Hu Linxia.

Upon entering the palace, she took on various titles: Hua Baolin, Jing Xiao Yi, Jing Cai Ren, Jing Mei Ren, Jing Jie Yu, and eventually, Hua Shi Yu. No one cared to inquire about her original name anymore.

The emperor had never asked once.

In the harem, she never formed close friendships, nor did anyone bother to ask her real name.

In His Majesty's early years, he addressed the Empress as Yi Yao and occasionally referred to Concubine Lan as Zhi Qiu.

However, over time, he ceased using these names.

Concubine Lan was simply Concubine Lan, and the Empress was only the Empress.

Yet, His Majesty persistently called Qi Yunli 'Yun-er' with an intimacy that was undeniable.

As time passed, he began to call her Yunli, perhaps considering their child had grown older.

But the intimacy remained undiminished.

Only in formal settings, when surrounded by many, would he address her as Xiafei, acknowledging her virtue.

She envied this deeply, yet His Majesty was unaware of her true name.

Unaware in the past, and still unaware now.

As a child, the Huas treated her with utmost kindness, and she, in turn, proved to be a worthy daughter. She excelled in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and literature.

Her grandfather would often remark that such an excellent girl might one day grace the life of some fortunate but perhaps undeserving young man.

Flower Linxia herself dreamed of finding a husband with both talent and looks, someone who would remain devoted to her for a lifetime, sharing a deep and affectionate bond.

But as she grew older, her father and mother began to entertain different plans for her.

If not for their concern about the appropriate age difference, her father would have preferred her to become the Crown Princess.

When the time finally came for the imperial selection, the young emperor held his first such event.

What a golden opportunity it was!

Her grandfather was reluctant, but her father was persistent.

And Flower Linxia was willing too. She had met His Majesty at a palace banquet when he was still the Crown Prince, and she had been impressed by his charisma and demeanor.

Isn't a woman like herself meant to marry a man of his caliber, so as not to demean herself?

Thus, she stood alongside her parents and agreed unanimously to enter the palace.

After all, her grandfather did dote on her.

And she yielded to her father's wishes.

Sending herself into the palace.

Yet later on, many times, Huалin Xia pondered what if her grandfather had been more resolute back then?

Perhaps her fate, as well as that of the entire Huа family, would have been rewritten.

But it didn't happen.

She still entered the palace, filled with joy and aspirations, just as she had envisioned.

At the onset of her life in the imperial court, everything seemed as enchanting as she had hoped.

With her grandfather's connection, His Majesty treated her exceptionally well.

She was promoted swiftly and favored first. Everything was perfect.

She even conceived before others.

Even Qi Family's daughter could only be a complementary match for her.

At that time, Lady Jing was truly at the height of her glory.

But all couldn't remain at that peak. From there on, it marked the beginning of her downfall.

How could she not have noticed others' schemes? Yet, despite her favor, she was ultimately just a Lady.

The Empress found it all too easy to strike.

After her miscarriage, she fell into a long silence.

It wasn't until after the northern inspection tour that she could resume her duties as a concubine. But by then, the harem had long since changed.

The Qi family girl who was supposed to be her supporting role had surpassed her instead.

For many years that followed, she constantly compared herself to Qi Yuling. It was inevitable, given that Qi Yuling had initially been in a much worse position than she was.

The Empress Consort was solely focused on using her for childbirth, while the Emperor didn't pay her much attention.

Yet, how could Qi Yuling coax the Empress into treating her kindly and persuade the Emperor to indulge her arrogance?

Not to mention, she even managed to topple the Noble Consort?

It was Qi Xiaohao from the Qi family who had caused the death of the Empress's own brother. Such an act should have brought the Qi family down.

But the Qi family not only protected Minister Qi but also preserved the status of the two Qi family women in the harem - one only experienced a demotion, and the other wasn't demoted at all.

Hua Linxia couldn't understand Qi Yuling; she would never comprehend her.

She could only attribute it to her own ill fortune.

Her second pregnancy, which should have been her turning point, was once again sabotaged.

Twins were born on the Dragon Boat Festival.

Though it was later said that it was Lady Lan's doing, someone had hinted to her that the Empress was also involved.

The Empress, again the Empress.

But at this point, it seemed that Huajin Xia's fate was sealed.

Regardless, there was no chance left for those twins.

Back then, she was truly blinded by confusion.

She had lost her former composure, the successive blows and setbacks leaving her utterly panicked.

She committed an irreparable mistake in her life.

She had caused the death of her own son.

And from there, events took a sharp turn for the worse.

Her mother's involvement in the conspiracy to harm the imperial concubine had led to the Huas being either exiled or executed.

As for her, there was no longer any chance of redemption.

The Qiu Lan Pavilion had confined her for half her life.

She could have chosen to live out her days in tranquility, waiting for the Emperor to pass away. If she were still alive by then, she might have been granted an elevated title.

But she was not content with that. She refused to accept her fate.

Thus, she wanted to fight, to make one last effort.

For herself, and for Seventh Prince.

Doctor Zhuang's family had always been loyal to the Hua family. She hadn't had the opportunity to utilize him before, but now he was the perfect choice.

The Empress must die sooner rather than later.

Only then, with the throne left unmanned, would there be an opening.

Consort Shu has been immersed in the imperial harem for many years; she foresaw this day long ago.

After the Empress passes, His Majesty will not immediately elevate a new Empress.

At that time, there will be countless speculations within the court. With the Crown Prince's position uncertain, the throne of the Empress will remain unoccupied as well.

And all Hu Lingenxia desires is the future.

Everything proceeded smoothly, and she was more than willing to carry out this plan. To cause the Empress's death and make her wish she were already dead, it brought her immense pleasure.

All went according to plan, except that the Empress's health was already frail, unable to withstand the dosage of the medicine.

The problem arose earlier than initially anticipated.

With this complication, subsequent doses could no longer be administered.

Her death would now take longer than expected.

But it mattered little; she would still suffer greatly before her end.

Yet she could no longer see it herself.

On that rainy day when she caught sight of the Seventh Prince, he reminded her of His Majesty in his youthful days.

Upon closer inspection, however, the resemblance was but fleeting.

Gazing at him from behind the veil of light rain, she was flooded with a myriad of emotions and a sense of remorse.

In the end, there wasn't that much reluctance to part.

She wished him well in the future, yet felt an unexpected sense of relief. She was weary, worn out.

As she drank the poison, she realized that she had, in fact, been longing for this day to come.

In this palace, enmities, grievances, and hatred never ceased for a single day.

Her life here had been so degrading, dishonoring her family's name.

What she regretted most was not heeding her grandfather's words back then. He had sighed and told her, "Being a royal wife is not as simple as it seems."

Back then, she didn't understand, nor did she care. She had her own pride.

Only in the end did she realize that once inside these red walls, if one failed to ascend the ranks, their life would be worse than a servant's; and if they did climb high, it would come at the cost of being tempered through fire and water countless times, leaving them scarred all over.

As for those fair maidens who passed away too soon, who would remember how exceptionally talented and beautiful they once were, how they excelled in both appearance and skill?

Regrets, yes, but alas, regrets serve no purpose...