Chapter 36 How Did You Elope with a Man?

Chapter 36: How Did You Elope with a Man?

That night, A Wu nestled in the Jingxi Emperor's arms, playfully flirtatious, using every charming trick she knew to carefully please him. Indeed, the Emperor was enthralled, holding her through the night, loath to release her.

Drowsing, she seemed to hear the man's hoarse voice issuing a quiet command to his attendants, who then departed to carry it out.

Fighting sleep, A Wu rubbed her eyes and mumbled, "Your Majesty, what is it?"

The Jingxi Emperor's large hand rested soothingly on her waist. "Nothing. Tomorrow, I won’t return to the palace. Have the Imperial Guard inform them."

The Emperor was swamped with state affairs. Even if he did not attend morning court, he still had to hold court and review petitions.

Now that he would not be in the palace, his ministers were informed to avoid delaying important affairs.

Too exhausted to care, A Wu simply fell back into deep sleep.

By the time she awoke the next day, the Jingxi Emperor was long gone. Instead, a bevy of maids waited on A Wu, who basked in their attention.

The Jingxi Emperor had said he would take her into the palace, and she vaguely sensed that her standing was about to rise.

After washing up, the Jingxi Emperor returned—he had gone to practice his martial arts and then bathed.

Now, he wore a tailored black python-patterned robe with narrow sleeves, girded at the waist with a moon-white jade belt adorned with auspicious cloud patterns. His bearing was equally regal and rakish, exuding noble grace.

Curious, she tilted her head to look at him.

The Jingxi Emperor raised a brow. "Hm?"

A Wu immediately ran over, affectionately clinging to his arm. "Your Majesty, you don’t usually wear dragon robes, do you?"

The Jingxi Emperor replied, "During my private hours after court, I wear everyday clothes."

Even as Emperor, he did not need to strut about in dragon robes every day. In truth, his usual attire in the palace was still refined and luxurious, but there was no need to constantly parade in such formal wear.

Ceremonial robes were only worn during morning court or state rituals, as a mark of solemnity.

A Wu finally understood. Naturally filled with curiosity about the Emperor, she asked several more questions during breakfast—some rather childish. The Jingxi Emperor answered one or two before ignoring the rest.

A Wu knew better than to press further.

After the meal, the Jingxi Emperor donned a silver-fox fur cloak and draped a cloak lined with peacock feathers over A Wu.

She didn’t ask where the cloaks came from. After all, the palace eunuchs and maids around the Emperor were miraculously efficient, always able to produce the perfect item at the right moment.

Marveling, she ran her fingers over the peacock feathers—likely woven with gold thread. The craftsmanship and materials were finer than anything in A Wu's experience.

Once dressed, the Jingxi Emperor escorted her himself to a flower garden, where they picked various blooms. The selection here was abundant, with all kinds of autumn peonies, chrysanthemums, and other rare flowers.

Truthfully, now that she was about to enter the palace, A Wu wasn’t overly excited about the flowers. Still, she picked two golden-threaded autumn peonies—one to tuck into her own hair and the other, she insisted, must be placed in the Jingxi Emperor’s.

In this dynasty, it was customary for men to wear flowers. During grand ceremonies and imperial banquets, the Jingxi Emperor would even bestow flowers upon others. But this was the first time a young woman had insisted on adorning him.

He did not refuse.

Having left the palace and entered Nanqiongzi, he was willing to indulge her a little more at this moment.

Under the bright morning light, A Wu stood on tiptoe, trying to place the flower in the Jingxi Emperor’s hair. But he was too statuesque, while she was too petite—no matter how she stretched, she couldn’t reach.

Exasperated, she demanded, "Bend down a little! Bend down!"

Fu Tai, standing nearby, looked uneasy but dared not say anything.

How could one speak like this? One must not address the Emperor in such a manner—Don’t you know the rules!

An Emperor cannot stoop before anyone—that would undermine Great Hui’s dignity!

The Jingxi Emperor did not stoop, but he slightly bent his tall frame, his pale eyes locked onto A Wu.

A Wu stood on tiptoe, delighted: "Just like this, place it here."

At last, the flower was in place. A Wu stepped back a few paces to admire her handiwork.

Cloaked in the silver-white fox fur mantle, the man radiated power and nobility. Even standing casually, he projected absolute authority. Now, with a delicate peony adorning his hair, it made him even more dazzling.

A Wu’s legs nearly went weak from the sight, her heart racing.

Though Lu Yunjian and the Crown Prince were handsome, they fell short of his mature presence. A Wu now realized she preferred the Emperor’s type.

She began to feel that no matter what, getting into his bed would make her whole life worth it.

Even if he weren’t the Emperor, she could still adore him.

The Jingxi Emperor, perceptive as ever, noticed A Wu’s undisguised admiration—as if she wanted to devour him whole.

Amused, he tapped her fingers lightly and remarked coolly, "Can you restrain yourself a little?"

A Wu blurted out, "No!"

The Jingxi Emperor: "..."

Many palace eunuchs and attendants nearby overheard but kept straight faces. After a long silence, the Emperor finally took A Wu’s hand and said, "Let’s go."

Leaving the flower garden,

the Jingxi Emperor led A Wu to his imperial carriage—a masterpiece adorned with intricately carved golden five-clawed dragons, a bright yellow lotus-embroidered cushion, and other imperial trappings.

Sitting in this carriage felt like reaching the height of Great Hui’s power.

A Wu could hardly believe it; her heart pounded with excitement. Clinging to the Emperor’s arm, she offered to massage his limbs, desperate to curry favor.

The Jingxi Emperor, however, seemed unimpressed. Leaning slightly against the ornate seat, he half-closed his eyes, lost in thought.

Suddenly, A Wu remembered something and asked, "Your Majesty, how will A Wu enter the palace?"

After all, she had once been the Crown Prince’s concubine—would cause a scandal if it got out.

Without opening his eyes, the Emperor replied flatly, "Well, look who’s finally thinking about practical matters."

A Wu: "..."

The Jingxi Emperor opened his eyes and turned slightly to look at her.

A Wu ventured cautiously, "Could Your Majesty tell A Wu how you plan to arrange for me?"

The Jingxi Emperor said, "I shall first have you taken back to Yanxiang Temple."

A Wu: "What?"

Her eyes widened instantly. Noticing her alarmed look, the Emperor said dryly, "Haven’t you noticed? This is the road to Yanxiang Temple."

A Wu bit her lip, tilting her head as she gazed at him for a long moment before tugging at his sleeve. "Your Majesty, you're teasing me, aren't you? You can't bear to part with A Wu, can you? How could you be so heartless? An emperor's word is law!"

Though the young woman spoke boldly, her long lashes fluttered nervously, revealing her underlying fear.

After all, she was still inexperienced in the ways of the world, and her heart was filled with dread.

The corner of his lips curled into a smile as he ceased his teasing. "You must return to Yanxiang Temple first. Only then can I send for you by decree."

A Wu's sinking heart slowly rose again.

She looked at him with bright-eyed anticipation.

The Jingxi Emperor continued, "I happen to have a memorial in hand. Censor of the West Terrace and Imperial Astronomer Sun Wenbo reported that, upon observing the celestial phenomena, the Northern Dipper has shifted southward, Venus has eclipsed the Pleiades, the White Tiger has ascended to the heavens, and the Purple Forbidden Star has moved eastward—all ill omens for my health. Thus, I have ordered the Imperial Astronomers to seek a remedy: to find a practitioner whose birth elements harmonize with mine, to enter the palace and remain by my side to dispel this calamity."

A Wu understood. "That person would be me?"

The Jingxi Emperor replied, "The Taoist nun Miao Zhen of Yanxiang Temple has diligently cultivated virtue, accumulated spiritual merit, and possesses a pure and profound understanding of the Dao. As a female immortal of the Taoist path, she embodies the Mysterious Feminine—the gateway to the root of heaven and earth. As the ruler of ten thousand chariots, I wish to forge a virtuous bond, seeking spiritual union. Thus, I permit her to return to secular life and enter the inner court to accompany me."

Having spent some time reciting scriptures lately, A Wu roughly understood the meaning behind his words.

The reason Nan Qiongzi established Taoist nunneries was rooted in the fundamental belief of Great Hui: the Mysterious Feminine represented the primordial yin, the root of heaven and earth, the origin of all things before creation. Hence, the imperial court of Great Hui revered the Dao, and the Taoist nuns and spiritual officials of Yanxiang Temple had always held esteemed positions.

So, the Jingxi Emperor's intention was to summon a Taoist nun from Yanxiang Temple to the inner court... to "nourish" the emperor?

She found it somewhat absurd but dared not voice it outright. Instead, she asked softly, "Would anyone believe that?"

The Jingxi Emperor replied, "What matters is not whether others believe, but whether they choose to believe."

A Wu was momentarily stunned before realizing how clever it was.

He was the ruler of a nation. If he wanted a Taoist nun in the inner court, even if it defied human ethics and Daoist principles, so what? History was full of foolish and mediocre emperors. Punish a petty thief, reward a kingdom-stealer. He was the emperor—his word was law!

To those standing at the pinnacle of power, a mere dalliance with a woman was barely noteworthy. It might even become a scandalous legend passed down through the ages!

Yet she still had doubts. "What about the Crown Prince?"

At her words, the Jingxi Emperor's eyes turned razor-sharp.

A Wu hurriedly explained, "A Wu is only afraid the Crown Prince might grow resentful, damaging the bond between father and son. I don’t wish to trouble Your Majesty over my affairs."

The Jingxi Emperor said, "This is a son I raised myself. I know his temperament better than anyone. A single edict will suffice—I’ll send him north to inspect the troops. He won’t return for at least a month. By the time he comes back, the rice will be cooked. No matter how furious he is, it’ll be too late."

A Wu immediately understood. A father manipulating his son was child’s play, especially for someone like the Jingxi Emperor, who had ruled for over a decade and was a master of statecraft. Dealing with a young Crown Prince was as easy as turning his hand.

Truly, older ginger is spicier...

She smiled sweetly. "Your Majesty, then A Wu won’t worry anymore. From now on, I’ll stay by your side. You can use me to *gather yin and replenish yang*, strengthening your health!"

Her voice dripped with sweetness, like honey-drizzled custard.

The Jingxi Emperor glanced at her coolly. "Enough nonsense."

Her words were certainly pleasing to the ear, but they were just that—words.

A Wu pressed on, "Does Your Majesty not believe me? During my time at Yanxiang Temple, I’ve cultivated abundant spiritual energy—all to nourish my sovereign!"

Her voice was so soft it seemed to melt in his ears. The Jingxi Emperor turned his head to look at her, his gaze deepening as he held out his hand.

Without hesitation, A Wu nestled into the emperor’s embrace.

She stretched out her porcelain-smooth arms, wrapping them around the man's neck, her voice sweet and clear: "Your Majesty... A Wu—"

Just as she spoke, the faint sound of carriages and horses could be heard ahead. Then the Imperial Guard captain approached to report they'd encountered the Empress.

The Empress?

A Wu's mind flashed back to the scene in the Empress's carriage.

She froze for a moment before shame flooded through her, her body trembling uncontrollably.

The Jingxi Emperor noticed: "You've met the Empress before?"

A Wu bit her lip and nodded: "Yes."

After hesitating, she explained further: "At Yanxiang Temple, when Her Majesty held a grand Buddhist rite to pray for blessings, I was fortunate enough to see her."

The Jingxi Emperor: "What did she say? What did she do to you?"

A Wu shook her head: "Nothing much. She only asked about my life in the temple and told the abbess to guide me well."

Naturally, she couldn’t mention her connection with Lu Yunjian, so she kept it vague.

She wasn’t sure if the Emperor believed her, but he didn’t press further.

A Wu: "Since the Empress is here, should I... hide somewhere?"

Her eyes darted about.

The Jingxi Emperor gripped her arm and commanded: "Don’t move."

A Wu: "But—"

The Jingxi Emperor: "She wouldn't dare enter His Majesty's dragon carriage uninvited."

A Wu: "Really?"

The Jingxi Emperor chuckled: "To avoid mutual discomfort."

A Wu was surprised.

The Jingxi Emperor glanced outside, where the palace eunuchs were already waiting behind the imperial yellow drapes, clearly awaiting orders.

He said calmly: "Summon her."

The eunuch bowed and hurried off with small, hurried steps to relay the message to the Empress.

A Wu hid in the shadows, parting the embroidered drapes to peek outside.

The Jingxi Emperor watched her anxious fidgeting, thinking how young and inexperienced she was—her emotions were too easily read.

Outside was the Empress’s magnificent procession, a splendid display of attendants and guards, all clad in wide-sleeved robes with caps having green silk edging, bearing silver-capped ebony staffs—an imposing sight.

After the eunuch delivered the message, the Empress's carriage stirred—she seemed to be descending.

The guards swiftly parted, clearing a path as handmaids processed in formation, followed by the Empress.

Perhaps because they were traveling, fans of red gauze on glass poles were held aloft before and behind her, their sheer veils obscuring most of her face. Only the skirt of dark blue silk dusted with gold could be seen, swaying with her steps.

Flanked by maids holding the fans, the Empress approached the Emperor’s dragon carriage and was guided to the carriage steps. There, behind the imperial yellow drapes, she made a formal bow befitting the Emperor.

A Wu's eyes widened as she stared at the yellow curtain ahead.

Only a curtain stood between them—if the Empress stepped forward, she would see her.

Such was the Empress's authority that even though A Wu was nestled in the Jingxi Emperor's arms, she still felt insecure.

The Emperor, however, remained composed, calmly accepting the Empress's formal obeisance.

Clearly, the Emperor's sudden intervention at Nanqiongzi had taken the Empress by surprise too. After all, this matter had been entrusted to her, yet the Emperor had intervened personally.

After their exchange of courtesies, they finally turned to the main issue. The Empress explained her purpose for coming to Nanqiongzi.

Listening, A Wu learned that the Crown Prince had been furious upon hearing of her so-called "elopement" and had rushed to Nanqiongzi. Consequently, the Emperor had sent the Empress to handle the matter.

Since she had been "kidnapped by Nie San" the previous night, the Crown Prince, the Yanxiang Temple, and the garrison guards at Nanqiongzi were all frantically searching for her.

Then the Emperor asked the Empress about the whereabouts of the Ning woman.

A Wu listened intently. According to the Empress's original plan, she was to hand A Wu over to claim credit. But now that A Wu had disappeared completely, and the Emperor had acted swiftly—arresting and silencing all the escorting guards—the Empress was likely bewildered.

Thus, she heard the Empress reply, "The Ning woman eloped with the guard Nie Qianpei. Both confessed their crimes, but Nie Qianpei broke free from custody and spirited her away. We have since dispatched additional forces to search everywhere and ordered the Nanqiongzi garrison to intensify patrols to ensure she does not escape."

The Emperor tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest, deep in thought. "A mere Nie Qianpei could spirit away the Ning woman?"

The Empress hesitated before replying with some difficulty, "This... remains unclear to me."

She concealed Lu Yunjian's involvement, intending to return A Wu, only for A Wu to vanish without a trace. Now, she was unsettled.

In truth, she somewhat suspected the Crown Princess, but holding back might expose Lu Yunjian, so she refrained.

The Emperor said, "Since this woman is in Nanqiongzi, she cannot escape. Mo Yao is also searching for her—let him pursue it."

The Empress replied, "As Your Majesty wills."

The Emperor added, "If she's lost, she's lost. No need to pursue it for now."

The Empress agreed, "If that is your will, so be it."

Listening from the side, A Wu mused that the Empress had deceived the Emperor, just as the Emperor had deceived the Empress.

What a curious pair they were—both concealing, both uneasy, and thus both letting the matter drop.

Neither knew what the other had done!

What kind of marriage was this?

She recalled the Jingxi Emperor's words—"to avoid mutual disgust"—and the Empress's demeanor toward Lu Yunjian, stirring further speculation.

Then the Emperor's tone softened. "Since such audacious individuals have appeared in Nanqiongzi, you must take care, my Empress. I will personally handle the matter concerning the Crown Prince. If you have no further business, you may return to the palace to avoid any unpleasant incidents."

A Wu fought back a laugh. The Emperor's words were considerate, but the meaning was clear: *Go back.*

The Empress replied respectfully, "With Your Majesty personally present, I am at ease. I shall defer to your arrangements. However, the Crown Princess is young and has followed the Crown Prince to Nanqiongzi, while he remains obsessed with the Ning woman. I remain concerned."

The Jingxi Emperor said, "I understand your concern, my Empress. But since Nanqiongzi is unsettled, I fear for your safety. Very well—I shall assign the Imperial Guard to escort you, ensuring your protection."

The Empress seemed surprised but expressed her gratitude.

Then the Emperor unexpectedly changed subjects. "My Empress, there are two more matters I must ask you to manage."

The Empress promptly replied, "Your Majesty, whatever the matter may be, please command me. I shall spare no effort."

Jingxi Emperor: "This time, the hair-pinning ceremony for De Ning will require your efforts, Empress. However, I propose we forgo fresh flowers and use only piled-silk flowers instead."

The Empress was puzzled: "Your Majesty, why is that?"

Jingxi Emperor: "A single fresh flower growing in the wild is hardly worth much, but to ensure its freshness on the day, Nanqiongzi began preparations early. Not to mention the labor, resources, and effort expended—what originally cost a hundred coins per flower, once brought into the palace and held by the ladies, becomes a tenfold or even hundredfold markup. And all for a single day’s novelty, only to be discarded the very next day."

He paused before continuing, "Piled-silk flowers cost more upfront, but they save much effort and waste. Moreover, they can be reused for future occasions or even gifted to noblewomen and wives of officials, ensuring nothing goes to waste."

Listening, A Wu couldn’t help but feel deep admiration. The Jingxi Emperor clearly understood the economics behind these floral arrangements—one might mistake him for the manager of a silk-stacking shop.

The Empress, of course, never expected the Emperor to say such things. He usually focused on court affairs and rarely concerned himself with matters of the inner palace.

She replied respectfully, "Your Majesty’s considerations are thorough. I shall follow your instructions."

Jingxi Emperor: "There is one more matter. In three to five days, a new woman will enter the inner palace. I ask you to see to it personally in advance."

A Wu pricked up her ears.

She knew this meant the Emperor was arranging her position within the inner palace.

At these words, even the Empress, who had remained expressionless, showed surprise.

According to Great Hui’s selection customs, the palace accepted new consorts every year, mostly chosen from commoners who volunteered to enter the palace. Those selected could serve as consort candidates or as officials in the Six Offices.

Yet for nearly seven or eight years, the Jingxi Emperor had shown no interest in selecting new consorts. Each year, he merely glanced perfunctorily before leaving the task entirely to the Empress. Most of the new entrants became female palace officials (nüguan) rather than consort candidates.

Last year, the Empress Dowager, noting that all the imperial consorts were over twenty—with the youngest already twenty-two—and that no new consorts had been added, deemed the situation lamentably stagnant. She wished to personally oversee a selection, but the Jingxi Emperor stopped her.

He argued that even if selected, he had no interest in favoring them, and it would only waste the prime years of other families’ daughters.

Yet now, outside the annual selection, the Emperor had abruptly mentioned bringing in a new woman.

This was a break from precedent...

The Empress was both shocked and suspicious. She recalled the woman the Emperor had previously taken a liking to, with no further developments—she had assumed the matter had been dropped. But now it seemed that woman was the one in question?

She asked respectfully, "Your Majesty, may I ask about her background and how she is to be honored..."

She hesitated slightly before explaining, "I should at least know her rank to arrange things accordingly."

The Emperor listened, pondered for a moment, then glanced to the side, where A Wu was watching him expectantly.

Her mind was fixed on her future title.

His mouth quirked briefly, but he maintained a neutral tone as he said, "The new woman is also of humble origins. Since she is entering the palace suddenly, following convention, she will first be enfeoffed as a Noble Lady."

The Empress seized on the word "first."

Having held her position for years, she knew the Emperor well. The use of this word clearly indicated his intentions for this woman extended beyond just a Noble Lady. For now, he wished to avoid too much commotion, hence the modest rank, but she would undoubtedly be promoted later. Therefore, she must have her own quarters.

Her thoughts whirled, but she simply replied, "Understood. After returning to the palace, I shall see to it personally."

When the Empress finally took her leave, A Wu leaned against the window lattice, watching the Empress’s entourage recede.

She turned back to the Jingxi Emperor, who sat with downcast eyes, deep in thought.

Hesitantly, she ventured, "Your Majesty?"

The Jingxi Emperor looked up at her: "Are you afraid of the Empress?"

A Wu: "The Empress is the picture of grace and dignity. A Wu holds her in the highest regard."

The Jingxi Emperor raised his hand and beckoned to A Wu, signaling her to come closer.

A Wu approached and rested her head on the Emperor’s knee.

The Jingxi Emperor's long fingers rested on A Wu's hair, absently playing with the peony tucked in her hair as he smiled gently and said, "A Wu, how did you come to run off with a man? I want every detail. Go on, tell me."

A Wu: "..."

Her earlier joy vanished as if struck by lightning.