Chapter 108: The Empress

Chapter 108: The Empress

Rong Bi never expected to see the old physician Lan again after waking up. Eunuch Yan personally brought him over, smiling as he said, "His Majesty is concerned about Empress Rong and has ordered the old physician to check on your well-being."

Bai Ying, standing by, was full of worry, but Rong Bi didn't think much of it. She simply extended her wrist. The kind and gentle old physician took her pulse slowly on both sides before rising to retire and prepare a prescription.

Rong Bi got up as Bai Ying came over to help her change clothes and redo her hair. Just as she was about to inquire about the diagnosis from the old physician, Eunuch Yan entered to report, "Empress, His Majesty is waiting for you outside."

Surprised, Rong Bi looked up at Eunuch Yan. "Why wasn't I informed in advance of the Emperor's arrival?"

Eunuch Yan smiled. "His Majesty is in plain clothes. He said the old physician should first give you a wellness check, so there was no need for the Empress to come out and receive him."

Rong Bi stood up and noticed Bai Ying's nervous and restrained expression, which puzzled her. She stepped out and saw that Yuan Jun was indeed seated there.

Yuan Jun wore an informal jade-green robe today. The loose garment lessened the solemnity he exuded when wearing the dragon robe, but Rong Bi could see signs of fatigue around his eyes and brows. His face was serious, yet his posture seemed to betray a hint of tension.

She found it odd to sense nervousness on the Emperor's increasingly authoritative countenance. Intrigued, she still went forward to pay her respects, but Yuan Jun promptly rose to support her. "No need for formalities, my love. Please sit."

Turning to his attendants, he instructed, "Leave us. I have something to discuss with Minister Rong."

All the attendants quickly retreated, leaving Rong Bi sensing a solemn atmosphere. Yet, the emperor treated her with utmost gentleness, assisting her to sit down. "Be at ease."

He turned his gaze to Rong Bi, his expression serious. "Before, both I and my elder sister made a promise. Once major affairs are settled, we would allow you to return home."

Rong Bi replied softly, "Thank you, Your Majesty, and Princess for your kindness. My parents are on their way to the capital, and my eldest and third brothers now hold official positions in the government. My second brother is also being summoned to the capital. Our family will soon be reunited here."

Yuan Jun sat opposite her, observing her with gravity. "I know you've never been one to compete or vie for attention, and that you have plans for your future and family. But I still wish to ask: at present, I have feelings for you and desire to elevate you to the position of Empress. What do you think, my dear?"

Rong Bi lifted her face in shock, looking at Yuan Jun. He was dead serious, his usually cold and dark eyes now fixated on her, as if something long sealed was stirring within. "You and I are each other's halves, sharing joys and sorrows over time. Now, it's hard for me to let go. I hope to keep you by my side. Your family is in the capital, and they can be summoned to the palace or we can secretly gather outside the palace walls..."

Despite having thought much beforehand, he found himself unprepared in this moment. He despised his own inability to express himself but could only look into Rong Bi's eyes.

Initially surprised, Rong Bi's expression gradually calmed, while Yuan Jun's heart sank slightly. She whispered, "Your Majesty, I once accompanied the princess on a campaign. In the most perilous situation, she chose to be a decoy, risking her life to defend the city rather than fleeing. After our roles were switched, Your Majesty didn't choose to survive sneakily, but fought for the country and its people, upholding righteousness."

"The princess and Your Majesty are both people with a great sense of duty and justice. Rong Bi has always admired you. Even an ephemeral creature like a mayfly knows its aspirations, despite its short life."

"Yet, precisely because of this, Your Majesty's heart holds too many responsibilities – the world, the nation, its citizens, and court officials. Rong Bi, with no particular talents, is just fortunate to have been of assistance to Your Majesty."

"Your Majesty broke the Four Symbols Formation with a single arrow, demonstrating both literary and martial prowess, and adept at strategy and decision-making. Rong Bi, with nothing to offer but herself, cannot be the object of an emperor's affection."

"If Your Majesty is considering bestowing the position of Empress as recompense for this soul-swapping affair, truly, the honors and rewards granted to the Rong family are already ample. Should Your Majesty be concerned about future occurrences of soul swapping, I can persuade my family to reside permanently in the capital."

"As a rural farm girl, Rong Bi lacks the grace and demeanor befitting a queen to rule alongside the emperor. The intricacies of court affairs and the intrigues of power would be too taxing on her mind. I fear Rong Bi is not suited for the profound responsibility of being the mother of the nation. I kindly request His Majesty to consider another candidate."

Rong Bi gazed at the young emperor whose eyes were shrouded in darkness. The reverence and excitement that had illuminated his face seemed to fade instantly. She was rejecting an emperor, yet in this moment, she realized he was three years her junior. It appeared that he had anticipated her refusal, yet he still pressed his lips together, furrowing his brow ever so slightly before relaxing it once more.

He felt an intangible force squeezing his heart, giving rise to a dull and aching pain that spread slowly, a profound sense of loss and despair. Yet, he maintained his royal composure as he always had, saying calmly:

"I do not offer the position of Empress as recompense for your soul's exchange, but rather because my heart has long been enchanted by you. In the Palace of Precious Cases, where we have supported each other through trials and tribulations, affection has blossomed over time. Indeed, my heart has yearned for you, dear one, for what seems like an eternity."

"As you've mentioned, there are indeed many crucial matters in the court. Our father is obsessed with Taoist rituals and alchemy, causing many officials to gain favor through mystical practices and the secret arts of alchemy. They hold high positions and enjoy unceasing favor, while the state treasury remains depleted. Famine and disasters have become frequent, incompetent officials abound, and both northern and southern barbarians often stir up unrest. Piracy also plagues our shores, weakening our nation's strength day by day.

"Although Prince Jingbei is currently on good terms with my sister and temporarily submits, his loyalty cannot be guaranteed for the future. Furthermore, the court lacks the funds to reinforce our military."

Fixing his gaze on Rong Bi's clear, tranquil eyes, he spoke with unwavering devotion and a hint of reverence. "I inherited a troubled realm, but I never thought of shirking this responsibility. Now that the world rests on my shoulders, I dare not claim that I value the people more than personal affection. Yet, after much contemplation, I remain indecisive. I desire both the throne and someone who cherishes me deeply, sitting across from me at mealtime, sharing the tranquility of an ordinary citizen's life.

"I understand that past events have burdened you greatly, making it hard for you to trust that my heart belongs solely to you. But I promise, if you ascend as Empress, I will not take any more consorts. All my imperial children will be born from your womb. I wish to spend my life with you alone, our commitment to each other unbroken until our hair turns white, and even beyond death, we will be laid to rest together.

"I only ask for a chance from you, Rong Bi."

He gazed at Rong Bi, then abruptly averted his eyes, seemingly unable to bear the clarity of her limpid gaze. He didn't wish to hear her refusal again and spoke with a composed voice, "My dear, there's no need to rush your answer. Take a few days to consider it— or discuss it with your family if you wish. I'll be waiting for your decision in the palace."

He knew how base his actions were. Whether she consulted her family or discovered his secret, she would likely still agree in the end. But in this moment, he truly didn't want to hear another rejection.

He rose from his seat and strode towards the door, fearing that he might change his mind.

However, as he reached the entrance, Rong Bi spoke, "Your Majesty, I am willing."

He stopped, barely believing his own ears. He turned abruptly to look at her, and Rong Bi met his gaze with the same tranquil expression.

It was late afternoon, and the princess residence was unusually quiet. From the back room, faint meows could be heard, while in the courtyard, the distant chirping of cicadas signaled the onset of warmer weather.

Rong Bi stood there, clad only in a simple blue dress, her gaze pure and clear. Gazing into her eyes felt like being drawn into an ocean of gentle warmth, time slowing down around them. He knew he was indulging in this tranquility, for only in her presence did he naturally absorb her composure, feeling a sense of serenity in the passing of time and the stillness of all things.

He was a raging fire, meeting a woman as calm as water.

Seeing the emperor turn to look at her, Rong Bi wondered what thoughts were swirling in his mind. This man, so composed, resolute, and decisive, now seemed somewhat tongue-tied when gazing at her.

She felt a hint of bashfulness but continued her explanation slowly, "Your Majesty is pure and noble, like ice and snow. Rong Bi has admired you for a long time. Yet, a sparrow cannot dare to dream of an eagle resting upon its wings. But now that Your Majesty offers the promise of a lifetime, how could Rong Bi reject such a bold declaration out of fear?"

"I, Rong Bi, am willing to alleviate Your Majesty's concerns and strive for the well-being of our land. I only wish for peace across the realm, prosperity for all, and contentment for the people."

Yuan Jun suddenly turned around and, in a few strides, stood before Rong Bi. He reached out to draw her into his embrace and gently kissed her slightly parted lips.

This was something he had longed for. Unaware of her allure, he had restrained his desires with the purity of a bright moon in the past. Now, having received permission, his longing to touch and hold her was overwhelming, bordering on madness.

But if he continued kissing her, maintaining his integrity as a noble man would be difficult. However, Rong Bi's current condition didn't permit such intimacy.

He released her tender form, gazing at her flushed lips before revealing the truth. "Grand Physician Lan just diagnosed you; you are with child."

Rong Bi's eyes widened as she realized, "It was Bai Ying... She did mention that my monthly cycle was delayed these days. I thought it might be due to the change of residence."

Yuan Jun whispered, "Don't blame her. When I occasionally switch souls, I happened to witness your cousin Shen inviting you to see the flowers. Bai Ying reminded me that your delayed period and your craving for sour foods might indicate pregnancy."

A hint of surprise flickered across Rong Bi's face. "So, Your Majesty...?"

Yuan Jun affirmed decisively, "I elevated you to Empress not because of the child. I didn't let Grand Physician Lan inform you beforehand but chose to express my intentions first. I wished for your true feelings to be spoken without the knowledge of your pregnancy."

"I... don't wish to disappoint you — if you genuinely don't wish to stay in the palace... I... I will naturally respect your wishes..."

Grieved by his words, Rong Bi held his hand gently and said, "Your Majesty, I am willing – not for the child."

Yuan Jun lowered his head. "The imperial edict to crown you as Empress can be issued immediately, but I wish to give you a formal Empress coronation ceremony. The last time, when you were elevated to Liangdi and brought into the palace, it was too hasty. I feel guilty, and now with your parents in the capital and our families gathered, I will confer honors upon the Rong family and dispatch royal envoys bearing the imperial seal to conduct the six rituals."

"I want you to enter the palace through its main gate, dressed in the robes of an Empress, with a grand and solemn procession. I want civil and military officials to greet you, and all the wedding rituals, including the temple visit and the drinking of the combined wine, to be carried out in full. I want you to receive the congratulations of noble ladies from within and outside the palace, and for the whole world to know that you are my Empress."

Holding Rong Bi's hand, he recalled their hastily conducted wedding ceremony and whispered, "I want our first child to be born amidst boundless glory."

Rong Bi perceived the Emperor's intention to make amends and softly replied, "I also wish to spend my life with you, growing old together."

They exchanged a smile, sensing an unspoken understanding and a deep connection between their souls. At this moment, no more words were necessary.

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Epilogue:

Emperor Wuzong, given name Jun, was the eldest son of Emperor Zhongzong and Empress Chunxuan, née Shen. From a young age, he was known for his intelligence and love for learning. In the spring of Emperor Zhongzong's first year of reign, he was established as the Crown Prince. Of a serene disposition, he possessed both literary and martial talents, displaying a profound and far-reaching strategic mind.

——"The Annals of Emperor Wu: A Tale of Court Intrigue and Romantic Passions"

Empress Yi Ning of Emperor Wu Zong, née Rong, was a master of strategy and archery, with a keen love for literature and history. Her demeanor was refined and elegant, her beauty unparalleled. She began as a handmaiden to Princess Yi Yang, the Grand Duchess of Yi Yang, accompanying her on her marriage to pacify the north. On one occasion, she personally led troops against barbarian forces, achieving a great victory and earning military accolades. By imperial edict, she was then inducted into the Eastern Palace as a concubine, bestowed with the name Bi.

——"Consort Rong's Chronicles"