Chapter 42 Settling In

Chapter 42: Getting Settled

Much to A Wu’s surprise, after entering the palace, she did not see the Emperor immediately. Instead, she was first settled in a side hall. For two or three days, A Wu had to learn posture and etiquette. If she didn’t get it right, she would be sternly disciplined, which made her suspicious.

Had she been tricked? This didn’t feel like entering the palace to be showered with imperial favor—it was more like becoming a helpless punching bag.

But she had to grin and bear it.

Then, one day, the palace maids suddenly began putting on her makeup and helping her dress. When A Wu asked what was happening, they wouldn’t say, only insisting they were following orders.

This made A Wu even more suspicious. She knew the Empress managed the affairs of the inner palace, and now that she was hidden away here, unseen by anyone, she feared the Empress might be plotting something.

But... if the Jingxi Emperor couldn’t even protect her, allowing the Empress to deceive everyone...

She thought bitterly, *Well, if he can’t even protect me, what good is he? I must have misjudged him.*

As these thoughts crossed her mind, she was all dressed up.

She gazed at her reflection in the bronze mirror—her hair was styled into a high, layered bun adorned with a jade hairpin. She wore a crimson jacket with a floral collar, narrow sleeves embroidered with golden thread in a pattern of small sunflowers. A gold belt studded with pearls cinched her waist, and below, she wore a lavender skirt dotted with flowers.

The attire was similar to what she had worn outside, yet far more refined and meticulous, screaming palace formality in every stitch.

Her fingers brushed the collar of her jacket, where an additional jade button had been added compared to her usual clothes. Soon, she noticed matching buttons on her cuffs as well.

A maid gently explained, "Miss, the palace is different from the outside. Those who serve near His Majesty must adhere to specific dress codes. Every layer, whether jacket or robe, must follow the rules. White sleeves must never be exposed, and neither the neck nor wrists should be visible. These buttons are to ensure everything stays properly fastened, to avoid embarrassing yourself before the Emperor."

A Wu murmured, "I see..."

The maid’s tone was so gentle that A Wu felt she’d overstepped. Over the past few days, she had learned many rules, yet there were still so many she didn’t understand.

*Better keep my mouth shut.*

She touched her collar again, suddenly realizing that these garments hid a hundred little rules...

But on the bright side, she would finally have an official audience with the Emperor. She might even receive a title from the Jingxi Emperor.

Yet she knew she couldn’t rush. She had to wait for the sedan chair. After forever, a small green sedan arrived. Assisted by the maids, A Wu boarded it, and the sedan wove through the red walls and green-tiled roofs of the palace.

Though A Wu had learned palace etiquette and knew she shouldn’t look around recklessly, she couldn’t help but steal glances left and right.

The palace scenery was unlike anything she had seen before—more majestic and imposing than the Crown Prince’s residence, solemn and grand. Everywhere she looked, there were towers, pavilions, rare stones, and meticulously tended gardens, all guarded by stone-faced guards.

Her sedan was stopped several times along the corridor, each time requiring the presentation of a carved ivory token before being allowed to proceed.

As they advanced, the surroundings gradually became more exquisite and luxurious. Twisting hallways and fancy railings intertwined, adorned with blooming flowers despite the approaching winter.

Finally, the sedan stopped before a hall. A Wu was helped down and greeted by two maids in purple jackets and skirts, who guided her forward. Having learned some etiquette, A Wu kept her head slightly lowered as she followed them inside.

They turned west, passing through a ceremonial gate before entering the hall.

At the entrance stood over a dozen maids, standing silently, hands folded. Someone quickly went inside to announce their arrival.

A maid hastily instructed A Wu on what to say upon entering. Only then did A Wu realize—this was the Empress Dowager’s residence, and the Emperor was present as well.

She had never expected to meet the Empress Dowager before even settling into the palace. Nervous, she forced herself to stay composed.

As her thoughts raced, a voice called out: "Summon."

A Wu was then asked to change into soft purple satin slippers—pristine, not a speck of dirt.

After changing her shoes, A Wu was led into the hall. As she entered, she was greeted by a soft, faint fragrance—light yet comforting, lulling her into relaxation.

The floor was covered with a luxuriant woven rug, so soft underfoot it felt like walking on clouds.

With her head lowered, she followed the palace maid step by step.

As she walked, she recalled that night in the Crown Prince's residence when she had suddenly stepped into an unfamiliar banquet and was scolded for being "ill-bred."

Now, the very man who had called her ill-bred was bringing her into the palace to make her his concubine.

A concubine was not a favorable status. She had once harbored pride, unwilling to become someone's concubine.

But a royal concubine was different—it was still a position, one that would shield her from destitution and rootlessness.

Her gaze remained fixed on the rug as she walked forward, finally coming to a stop.

She could sense numerous eyes upon her—women draped in dazzling silks, their hair glittering with jewels.

Who were they? The Jingxi Emperor's consorts?

Just as she wondered, the palace maid beside her made a gesture.

Understanding, she stepped forward, knelt respectfully, and kowtowed three times before saying, "This humble commoner, Ning Shi, pays homage to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager. May Her Majesty be blessed with eternal prosperity and tranquility."

She pressed her forehead against the rug, her hands flat on either side of her ears.

Then, she heard an elderly voice from above say, "Rise."

A Wu knew this was the Empress Dowager. Her voice was pleasant, unhurried, the cadence of a life steeped in luxury.

She expressed her gratitude before standing.

As she rose, she faintly sensed a familiar figure seated below the Empress Dowager—undoubtedly the Jingxi Emperor. But she dared not look up, only catching a glimpse from the corner of her eye.

Today, he wore a winged cicada crown, his flowing robes and supple sash soft and elegant, the intricate motifs of dragons, phoenixes, and longevity symbols on his hem meticulously crafted—a stark contrast to his simpler dress at Nanqiongzi.

In the hall at this moment, the Jingxi Emperor sat below the Empress Dowager, with the Empress and the imperial consorts seated further down.

For days, everyone had known a new woman would enter the Emperor's harem, and today she was to pay respects to the Empress Dowager. Restlessness, confusion, and curiosity had festered among them.

It was not unusual for an emperor to take in new consorts, but the Jingxi Emperor had shown little interest in his harem in recent years, seldom bestowing his favor, and no new women had been admitted for years. Now, with this sudden addition, whispers swirled, and everyone sought information.

Yet, no matter how they inquired, no one knew who this newcomer was—not even the Empress had been let in on the secret.

Thus, curiosity only grew, with each secretly exerting efforts to uncover the truth.

By this morning, when word spread that the newcomer would visit the Empress Dowager, everyone strained for a look, eager to catch a glimpse of the Emperor’s latest conquest.

Amid the consorts' speculation and unease, the Empress herself harbored some doubts, though she remained outwardly composed. After all, as Empress, a few new additions to the harem meant little. She even hoped the Emperor's inner court would gain more vibrancy—its current tedium was stifling.

When the newcomer finally stepped into Shouchang Hall, all eyes turned toward her, taking in her willowy, ethereal frame, so slight her robes seemed to swallow her.

The woman kept her head lowered, but from her jade-white neck and pearl-like brow, it was clear she was a peerless beauty.

As she drew closer, the Empress suddenly sensed something off—this woman... looked far too familiar.

Her pulse leapt, and she swiftly glanced at the Jingxi Emperor beside her. Yet he merely lowered his eyes, toying with his teacup, without so much as a glance her way.

—And precisely because he refused to look, the Empress’s suspicions only deepened.

A woman he personally selected to bring into the harem, yet he wouldn’t even spare her a glance?

Too calculated—he was obviously feigning.

At this moment, the Empress suddenly recalled many things—the suspicious red mark on his neck during the Yunshan blessing ceremony.

Who could have left such a mark on the Emperor’s neck?

Her eyes swiftly swept over the woman again, who had now approached and knelt.

Porcelain-white, delicate hands, with delicately pink nails...

Her heart tightened as an ominous premonition surfaced.

Her fingers, resting on her knees, unconsciously clenched the hem of her robe as she stared fixedly at the woman’s profile.

Just then, the Empress Dowager chuckled warmly, “Lift your head, let this elder have a look.”

A Wu slowly and respectfully raised her head, though her lashes remained lowered—she knew better than to casually meet the gaze of those of noble status.

The moment A Wu’s face was revealed, the Empress Dowager couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.

She marveled repeatedly, “This elder has never seen such an exquisite, luminous beauty before!”

The surrounding concubines, upon seeing A Wu, were equally stunned, though trying to hide it.

No wonder!

The Jingxi Emperor hadn’t added any new consorts for years. The Empress Dowager had even urged him, offering to personally select suitable candidates, yet he remained unmoved.

Now, he had suddenly taken an interest in one—and it turned out to be such an exquisite, luminous beauty!

So breathtaking—like jade carved by gods, like freshly fallen snow, her skin flawless and translucent, as if lit from within!

And those eyes, glistening like still pools, those lips so lush they seemed dewy.

Even they, as women, couldn’t help but feel the urge to rush over and take a bite!

Astonished, they discreetly glanced at the Jingxi Emperor, only to find him still lowering his gaze, appearing completely unmoved, as though this mattered not at all.

Baffled, they wondered—what did this mean? He had chosen such a beauty, yet remained as steady as a mountain, utterly unaffected?

But then again, he had never been one to be swayed by feminine charms...

Amid the concubines’ whispered speculations, the Empress, too, caught sight of A Wu’s face.

At that instant, it felt as though a boulder had slammed into her chest, knocking the breath from her lungs.

She nearly lost her footing.

In truth, certain occurrences in recent days—seemingly insignificant—had sown seeds of doubt in her mind. She had tossed and turned, considered one fleeting possibility, though the thought had been so faint it vanished before she could examine it.

But now—what was she seeing?!

The Jingxi Emperor’s new consort, soon to enter the harem, bore the exact same face as Lady Ning from the Crown Prince’s household—that very Miao Zhen herself.

The Jingxi Emperor and her of all people?!

The Empress couldn't fathom or accept this—how could this happen?

The Jingxi Emperor lazily lifted his gaze, sweeping it smoothly over those present, lingering just briefly when it reached A Wu before shifting away imperceptibly.

He pursed his thin lips slightly, as if admiring the bouquet of flowers on the nearby tea table.

At this moment, the Empress Dowager paid no heed to the Jingxi Emperor. She beckoned A Wu closer, holding her hand and asking her warmly.

A Wu obediently answered, stating her surname was Ning, her given name Wu, and other such details.

All the imperial consorts present strained to listen, wondering who this was, which noble family had sent this beauty, and how she had suddenly entered the palace!

Faced with his mother's evident delight, the Jingxi Emperor smiled and said, "Since Mother finds her pleasing, have her come daily to pay her respects and serve by your side."

At his words, the consorts were even more astonished.

Such warm, smiling words, such subtle paving of the way for the newcomer—everyone instantly felt a stab of jealousy.

They had been in the palace for years, yet never had they known the Jingxi Emperor to speak so tenderly of any woman.

Especially in recent years, when he rarely visited the inner palace, his thoughts inscrutable, leaving the women in awe and fear.

Yet now, he could show such human warmth—

Even A Wu was surprised by the Jingxi Emperor's words.

Though she did not fully understand, she detected subtle care in his tone, like a gentle spring breeze.

It was the manner of a man bringing the woman he favored before his mother, wanting her to appreciate the woman's virtues.

She felt rather overwhelmed by this unexpected favor.

In her eyes, the Emperor had always been lofty and distant, keeping his imperial bearing even when doting on her. Never had she imagined he could display such warmth before the Empress Dowager.

Hearing her son's words, the Empress Dowager gave him a startled glance before laughing softly. "Look at you—rare indeed to hear such words from you."

The Jingxi Emperor lowered his eyes slightly and replied respectfully, "Mother, this is but a son's filial devotion."

The Empress Dowager chuckled. "If the Emperor has such intentions, this old mother is pleased. But this little lady—where did you find her? Truly—"

She couldn't help but look at A Wu again, completely charmed.

Never mind the Emperor—even she wished to cradle the girl in her arms and dote on her.

At this moment, the Jingxi Emperor's gaze naturally settled on A Wu.

Today, she wore a gown of lilac hue, an ordinary style he had seen since childhood. Yet on her, it gained a luminous beauty.

The familiarity of the palace attire also gave him a sense of security—this mischievous little lady was finally securely in his grasp.

From now on, there was no turning back. Unless Great Hui fell, or he passed from this world, she would always belong to him.

His lips curved into a pleased smile.

From the moment the Empress saw A Wu's face, she had been rendered speechless, her mind blank, her vision blurred.

A Wu, A Wu—this was A Wu!

The A Wu who once belonged to Yunjian, the A Wu who nearly bewitched Yunjian!

A Wu, who was gifted to the Crown Prince, the A Wu who caused tension between the Crown Prince and the Jingxi Emperor!

A Wu—she had seen her before, she knew that she was aware of everything between her and Lu Yunjian.

If A Wu were to reveal all this to the Emperor, then, then—

The Empress’s heart pounded wildly, fear creeping through her bones.

This A Wu was nothing but an ant, someone who should have been crushed, who should never have been allowed to exist—yet now she had appeared in the inner palace, in Changshou Hall, right before the Empress Dowager!

And… she had become the Jingxi Emperor’s favorite!

How could this be?

The Empress’s trembling gaze fell upon the Jingxi Emperor, just as he happened to look at the woman.

The man, usually stern and imposing, now wore a softness in his expression, smiling subtly, like a smitten young man of seventeen or eighteen!

She had known the Jingxi Emperor since she was nine, married him at sixteen, and spent sixteen years as his wife—yet she had never seen him like this!

The young Jingxi Emperor had been cold and ruthless, a lone wolf. In his prime, he grew increasingly composed, developing imperial dignity. The current Jingxi Emperor cared for nothing, held everything in his grasp—he was an untouchable deity.

But now, he was looking at a woman with such guarded tenderness.

Clearly smitten, yet deliberately averting his gaze, as if trying to hide it like a bashful youth!

The Empress panicked.

All these years, perhaps she had shared no real love with the Emperor, but she had always believed she understood him, could assist him, support him.

She had the right to sit upon the phoenix throne, could read this man's mind.

But now, she was no longer certain.

And with this uncertainty came dread about the future—if the Emperor were to learn that she had acted against his only son, if he were to discover that A Wu had been placed beside the Crown Prince at her instigation, then—

The Empress shuddered.

She had a growing suspicion that the Emperor already knew—perhaps not about Lu Yunjian, but he must be doubting her!

This man was profoundly calculating. Even if he knew something, he would not act without absolute certainty. But once he did, it would be with devastating force!

At this moment, the Jingxi Emperor brought up the matter of A Wu’s rank to the Empress Dowager. The moment the words left his lips, everyone strained to hear, watching intently.

The Jingxi Emperor merely smiled casually. “She’s just entered the palace, still young and unfamiliar with the rules. In the future, Mother will have to take pains to instruct her. For now, just assign her any position.”

The listeners caught their breath. His tone was so affectionate, his expression so doting—it was like a parent leading their mischievous child into school, humble yet fiercely protective…

My word, they couldn’t bear to watch! Just how utterly besotted was he?

And this… this was the Emperor! The Emperor could behave this way?

He had never behaved this way with his own children!

The Empress Dowager chuckled. “Such a beauty—if her rank is too low, it would be unjust. But if it’s too high, we’d have to break precedent—”

She turned to the Empress. “Empress, what do you think? How should she be placed?”

Hearing this, the Empress fought to control her shaking composure.

She stepped forward and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, this new young lady is indeed exquisite and captivating, but I wonder about her lineage?"

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager also turned her gaze to the Jingxi Emperor.

They had been too captivated by her beauty to ask.

The Jingxi Emperor smiled and said, "Ah, her..."

The Empress Dowager, scrutinizing her son, asked sharply, "What is it?"

The Jingxi Emperor replied, "A few days ago, Censor of the West Terrace and Director of the Imperial Observatory, Sun Wenbo, submitted a memorial. He observed celestial phenomena at night—the Big Dipper shifting south, Venus eclipsing the Pleiades, the White Tiger ascending to the heavens, and the Purple Forbidden Star moving east—all of which may bode ill for my imperial well-being. Do you remember this, Mother Empress?"

The Empress Dowager nodded. "I do recall."

But what did this have to do with the imperial harem?

The Jingxi Emperor continued, "Thus, I ordered the Imperial Observatory to seek a solution—to find a cultivator whose astrological chart harmonizes with mine to enter the palace and accompany me, thereby dispelling the misfortune."

The Empress Dowager was taken aback and looked at A Wu in confusion. "So this is why... then this lady—"

The Jingxi Emperor said, "This is the accomplished Taoist nun from Yanxiang Temple, Miao Zhen. Her astrological chart harmonizes with mine, making her my auspicious talisman."

Miao Zhen...

The assembled concubines froze.

The Emperor had actually brought a Taoist nun into the harem? Was this the Emperor’s taste?

Should they start studying Taoist scriptures and chanting incantations now?

The Jingxi Emperor explained, "Taoist doctrine teaches that the Mysterious Female is the ultimate yin, the root of heaven and earth, the origin of all things before creation. Therefore—"

The Empress Dowager, impatient with his philosophical rambling, cut him off. "Out with it. You’ve brought a Taoist nun into the harem—what exactly are you planning?"

At that moment, the Empress suddenly spoke up. "Your Majesty, could this Taoist nun be the wrong one? I seem to recall hearing the name Miao Zhen somewhere before."

Her words drew a cool glance from the Jingxi Emperor.

The Empress Dowager was surprised. "You’ve heard of her?"

The Empress pretended to puzzle over it, frowning slightly. "I seem to remember—"

The Jingxi Emperor still wore a smile, but his eyes glinted with chilling derision.

The Empress sensed it but pressed on. "Previously, the woman expelled from the Crown Prince’s household—what was her name again?"

She smiled faintly at A Wu. "Taoist nun Miao Zhen, are you aware of the Taoist title of the nun who left the Crown Prince’s household?"

She let the implication linger.

From the Empress’s subtle smile, the others suddenly realized something.

Upon reflection, they were horrified, a chill running down their spines.

Not a soul dared utter a word, terrified of igniting the tension.

The Empress Dowager’s smile faded as she looked from her son to the Empress, then finally at A Wu.

Her grandson had openly defied the Emperor over a woman, sparking an unbridgeable rift.

It came back to her now—that woman’s surname was Ning.

A Wu's surname was also Ning.

That woman had gone to Yanxiang Daoist Temple, and A Wu also came from Yanxiang Daoist Temple.

The kicker? They were around the same age.

When the Empress Dowager realized this, her expression soured.

The atmosphere in the bedchamber grew heavy, dead silent—not even a pin drop.