Chapter 51 Her Coming-of-Age Ceremony

Chapter 51 Her Coming-of-Age Ceremony

The smile on Princess De Ning's face froze as she looked over in disbelief.

She was a royal princess, a jewel of the imperial family, the only daughter of her father. This was her grand day, her coming-of-age ceremony. Yet now, at her own ceremony, her father was about to have that Little Noble Lady pick a play for him.

Though it seemed like a trivial matter, nothing in the imperial family was insignificant—especially in front of so many noblewomen. She felt utterly humiliated.

Consort Kang, meanwhile, widened her eyes, staring at the Jingxi Emperor with a mix of embarrassment and fury but biting her tongue. Her expression was on the verge of tears.

A Wu was also stunned. How… how had she suddenly gotten roped into this???

But by then, the palace eunuchs had already approached her, handing her the playbill.

Under the gaze of so many people, her cheeks flushed hot, and she hastily pointed to *The Phoenix’s Cry*, figuring the title was lucky.

After making her choice, she suddenly noticed a checkmark next to another play—clearly, it had been selected before.

Then she understood.

Oh, she knew that one—it told of Emperor Yinghui and his favored consort. The story went that when the emperor’s daughter-in-law knelt before him, he looked down and remarked on her slender waist, saying you could span it with one hand.

Later, the emperor took his son’s wife as his own consort, finally doting on her relentlessly.

Then the crown prince ascended the throne—this prince was the elder brother of the consort’s former husband. Now the consort became the dowager consort, and though the new emperor outwardly treated her with respect and filial piety, in secret, he seized her for himself. The whole situation was downright sordid.

The most absurd part was that the dowager consort even bore the new emperor a son, who later inherited the throne. Once this son of the dowager consort gained power, he went to absurd lengths to rehab his mother’s image, commissioning plays like *A Wisp of Smoke* to glorify her.

Clearly, performing such a play on this occasion was intentional—a barely disguised dig at the Jingxi Emperor and herself. No wonder the Empress Dowager had looked so displeased.

A Wu felt a mix of smug amusement and chaotic delight. Who’d been dumb enough to pick this? Whoever it was must be a fool.

The empress wouldn’t dare—she was too busy playing the perfect empress.

If it was the crown princess, that would be perfect—then the Jingxi Emperor would surely see his daughter-in-law as public enemy number one… and A Wu could enjoy the spectacle.

Princess De Ning? But since when did she grow a spine?

As A Wu pondered, her gaze swept over Consort Kang’s expression of resentment, shame, and awkwardness—and suddenly, she understood.

You absolute moron!!

This was her own daughter’s coming-of-age ceremony—who did she think she was sabotaging?

A Wu suddenly felt a pang of sympathy for Princess De Ning…

Soon, the plays began. First was *Mulan Joins the Army in Her Father’s Place*, chosen by the Empress Dowager, followed by *The Female Top Scholar Declines the Phoenix*, and then the snooze-worthy *The Drummer’s Three Beats in Yuyang*.

The fourth play was *The Phoenix’s Cry*, the one A Wu had chosen. *A Wisp of Smoke* was conspicuously absent—probably axed.

—Not even the actors had a death wish.

A Wu sneaked a look and noticed that somebody must’ve talked her down, as Princess De Ning’s expression gradually softened.

After *The Phoenix’s Cry* was performed, the Jingxi Emperor remarked, “The steadfast loyalists in *The Phoenix’s Cry* are truly admirable. The phoenix’s song from the high peak heralds an age of prosperity, a time of peace and harmony. Today’s play was well-chosen and well-performed.”

With that, he had the actors showered with gifts, and they fell over themselves thanking him.

The Jingxi Emperor then ordered a few small pastries from his own table to be sent to A Wu as a favor.

Though they were merely snacks, everyone present was astute enough to grasp the emperor's intentions—this was his way of subtly yet unmistakably warning the noblewomen and imperial relatives, both inside and outside the palace. Don’t even think about scheming. Noble Lady Ning may be low-ranking, but she is the emperor's favored one.

The Emperor had allowed the women to choose the plays first, letting them save face in full view of the court, but that was merely a display of his breeding and generosity.

Men’s favoritism makes no sense, and when the ruler of a nation pampered his favorite without crossing the line, there was nothing left to criticize.

A Wu took subtle stock of the favor—among them was a portion of *lao* (fermented dairy), a dairy product made from cow's milk, available in both dried and liquid forms. This was the dried kind. She knew that, given her status, she couldn’t often enjoy *lao*—only when rewarded.

Now, the Jingxi Emperor had openly bestowed *lao* upon her in front of the empress dowager, the empress, and all the noblewomen, making his intentions unmistakable.

A Wu was thrilled, her heart racing, her face burning.

Truthfully, she knew nothing about opera and had never watched one. She had picked *The Phoenix’s Cry* at random, thinking it was about some ladylike heroine—never expecting it to be about loyal officials battling treacherous ones.

But lucking out was excellent. She cast a glance toward the Crown Prince’s consort.

The consort kept her head slightly lowered, her gaze vaguely fixed ahead.

...Clearly in low spirits.

A Wu also lowered her head and elegantly took a sip of the *lao*. It was silky as curdled milk, slightly yellowish in color, with a boozy tang like rice wine.

Not overly sweet—the palace preferred subtle flavors, with little added sugar, emphasizing the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Of course, only the finest ingredients were used, so even without seasoning, they were delicious.

As she ate, she wondered—if the consort hadn’t schemed against her, if the Jingxi Emperor hadn’t initially disliked her, what would’ve become of her?

Perhaps still stuck playing the meek concubine in the crown prince’s rear courtyard, desperately waiting for him to grant her a title.

Had she been given a title, she would have been overwhelmed with gratitude, groveling before the consort and scraping to please her lady.

Her entire life would have revolved around the consort as her sovereign.

In such settings, she would have been even more cautious, not daring to lift her head—kowtowing, flattering, fawning, smiling timidly, terrified of ridicule, every step taken as if on thin ice.

But now, she had gotten under the consort’s skin.

She mused to herself—though the Jingxi Emperor was old enough to be her father, he was only seventeen years older than the crown prince. A well-maintained older man, keeping himself fit and vigorous, gave her pleasures far surpassing those of the previous two.

Not that the first two were lacking, but with him, it was like diving into the deep end after paddling in puddles.

Some things truly depended on gifted talent—packed and sturdy, even a few strokes were enough.

As for the future—some lived to eighty-eight, others to sixty-six. With only seventeen years between father and son, who could say?

A Wu reveled in delight, recalling the finer details of their nights—how his eyelids would droop as he watched her, slowly grinding, circling, teasing her out—

Driving her to the point of clinging desperately, willing to pay him for it!

A cash per pump—a shower of coins right in his face!

Come on, wreck me!

Suddenly, she caught someone’s icy stare.

Her heart fluttered as she looked up, meeting the gaze of the looming figure above her. Their gazes collided.

A Wu’s cheeks burned crimson, and all her previous thoughts vanished in an instant.

*********

After the banquet, most of the coming-of-age rites concluded, and the atmosphere grew more relaxed. Various games and entertainments began, with young ladies and lords eagerly joining in, while married noblewomen gathered in small groups to chat and sip tea.

A Wu had never experienced such things before. Following Consort Hui around to watch the excitement, she found herself thoroughly engrossed. She even shared brief words with Zhao Yi.

Zhao Yi had a somewhat reserved nature, but Consort Hui seemed familiar enough with her to invite her along to watch the acrobatic performances—dagger-leaping and pole-climbing acts that left A Wu gaping in wonder.

Such spectacles could also be seen in the streets, but those were performed by itinerant performers, a far cry from the palace’s master performers. The audience clapped and cheered in delight!

Later, everyone gathered to play "Dropping the City," where a square "city" was drawn before the emperor, divided by a cross into sections, each representing a "city" with a marked prize amount.

The noblewomen could toss silver beans onto the grid, winning the prize of whichever section they landed on.

A Wu flexed her fingers eagerly and took her turn, only managing to win three taels' worth. She was both frustrated yet grudgingly pleased—better than nothing.

By the end of the lively day, A Wu returned to Langhua Hall in high spirits, exhausted yet content.

After bathing, she sprawled on the couch, swinging her bare feet idly in the air, musing over who had ever called the deep palace lonely. With fine food, drink, and entertainment—aside from being confined to the palace—it was far better than the outside world!

When the Jingxi Emperor stepped into Langhua Hall, this was the scene that greeted him.

Layers of ornate curtains were drawn aside, revealing a lithe form on the carved bed. A floral-pleated skirt draped over slender jade-like legs, dangling playfully with the young maiden’s movements.

Her ankles were fine and pale, her feet flawless, each toe like a translucent pink seashell.

Fresh from her bath, she wore a loosely tied robe embroidered with vibrant red petals, its layers cascading over her slender frame. The loose collar barely concealed the snowy curves beneath, hinting at their natural, soft fullness.

Large, supple, and alabaster.

At the sight, the Jingxi Emperor went perfectly still.

Then, his eyelids lowered slightly as he glanced sideways. The palace chronicler was not in attendance today, and the eunuchs from the Office of Imperial Household Affairs, along with the palace chronicler, waited outside the hall. Even Fu Tai and the others had tactfully halted at a distance—no one would witness this.

Behind him, palace maids lowered the brocade curtains and shut the doors, casting the room into a dim, hazy glow.

Only then did the emperor approach the couch. He bent slightly, reaching out to grasp—

The sensation was like warm honey clinging to his palm.

A Wu let out a startled "Eep!" and scrambled back like a startled kitten, retreating to the far side of the bed where he couldn’t reach.

Her eyes widened in protest. "What are you doing?"

It was so sudden that she completely forgot all proper decorum for receiving the emperor.

—After being touched like that, what was there to observe? Nothing!

The Jingxi Emperor straightened, his pale eyes unreadable. "Look at you. Not a trace of noble bearing. Anyone would mistake you for some shameless street urchin."

A Wu: "So what?"

Jingxi Emperor: "..."

Well, indeed—so what?

A Wu rolled over again, sprawling lazily like a cat at the edge of the couch, gazing up at the emperor standing over her.

"I had so much fun today that I'm completely exhausted. I'm completely worn out. I just took a bath and have no energy left, so I lay down right away."

She stretched out her arms, her enchanting eyes wide and pleading, her voice soft and sweet: "Your Majesty, hold me!"

That adorable, coquettish look—

The Jingxi Emperor drew a sharp breath.

His heart softened completely.

He bent down, his strong arms scooping up the delicate figure from the bed. She nestled into his embrace as if she had no bones, her soft, trembling form pressed against his firm chest, the fresh scent of peach blossoms surrounding him.

The Jingxi Emperor closed his eyes briefly, his throat working.

Sometimes, he truly wished he could consume her completely.

A Wu paid no attention to his struggle. She wrapped her arms around his neck affectionately: "I wish someone came of age every day! I’d love to see it again!"

The Jingxi Emperor looked down at her: "You enjoyed it that much?"

A Wu nodded vigorously.

The Jingxi Emperor: "I thought you liked the comedic acts best."

A Wu: "The magic tricks were wonderful too!"

The Jingxi Emperor: "You won three taels of silver in the 'Falling City' game?"

A Wu said with clear disappointment: "Only three taels!"

The Jingxi Emperor chuckled: "Three taels is quite a lot."

A Wu, full of ambition and excitement, rubbed her hands together eagerly: "Next time, I’ll win even more!"

The Jingxi Emperor laughed even more. His large hands encircled her slender ankles, guiding her legs to wrap tightly around him, their bodies pressed tightly together.

He carried her a few steps across the room, and A Wu, startled and clung tightly to his neck.

The cover of the bronze mirror nearby had been removed. In its reflection, the Jingxi Emperor saw the two of them—

A regal man in lavish robes, cradling a half-undressed young woman. Her delicate shoulders trembled, her snow-white arms wrapped trustingly around his neck, her legs clinging tightly around him.

The sight was so alluring that the Jingxi Emperor could hardly believe it was himself.

In his youth, reading histories, he had scorned the decadent and indulgent emperors of the past, unable to comprehend how a ruler could be so bewitched by a woman.

Now, he understood. The only thing missing in his life back then had been A Wu.

Now that he had her, he pitied his past self—those long, lonely years spent without her by his side.

The Jingxi Emperor sighed in contentment, whispering in A Wu's ear: "Did A Wu have fun today?"

A Wu: "Mm-hmm!"

Her voice was soft, sweet as honey.

The Jingxi Emperor: "A Wu is sixteen this year. Did you have a proper coming-of-age ceremony?"

A Wu: "More or less."

The Jingxi Emperor said, "Oh? Do tell."

A Wu replied, "Nothing special, really. The hair-pinning ceremony for girls from ordinary families is barely ceremonial. In my hometown, they just invite the family's old nanny to tie up their hair and change into new clothes."

It all depends on the family’s means and how much they cherish their daughter.

A Wu was originally a beloved daughter in her family, and she was promised to the boy next door. For betrothed girls, the hair-pinning ceremony would be more formal, so her three elder brothers had all agreed to throw her a proper ceremony.

She nuzzled her face against the man's neck and said with a smile, "Everyone celebrates it this way."

The Jingxi Emperor soothed her back. "I want to hear about it. Where were you during your hair-pinning ceremony? What were you doing?"

A Wu bristled at the question. She didn’t understand why the Jingxi Emperor was suddenly so insistent on asking this. What's the point?

He played father to another, having arranged such a grand ceremony for someone else, yet he insisted on asking her about it now.

To A Wu, it felt calculated—as if he was trying to embarrass her.

He should have known that during her hair-pinning ceremony, she was either drifting rootless or stashed away in some manor.

She had been floating on cloud nine earlier, her heart brimming with sweetness, but now all that joy had vanished. She wished he would just leave.

The Jingxi Emperor, perceptive as he was, naturally noticed A Wu’s resistance. The usually pliant body in his arms now gone rigid against him, her small frame unconsciously tensing.

He gently patted her back and whispered in her ear, "What's wrong with remembering these things?"

A Wu turned her face away and mumbled unhappily, "It's not that I don’t want to tell you. I already said—everyone’s ceremony is like this, just inviting a nanny! Market-quarter families all do it this way. There’s nothing new to it!"

The Jingxi Emperor fell silent.

He didn’t know why he suddenly wanted to ask. Perhaps it was because, in this moment, he realized that the little woman in his arms was indeed still young—only a year older than his own daughter, almost the same age.

When he had presented the silver-gilt edict to De Ning, seeing the admiration and excitement in his daughter’s eyes, he had instinctively glanced at A Wu. In an inconspicuous corner of the crowd, her eyes had shone with hungry wonder.

At that moment, he had wanted to treat her better, to give her more, so she wouldn’t have to envy others.

But he faintly sensed that within A Wu’s soft body lay an unyielding core—something he couldn’t reach.

The atmosphere congealed between them, and both of them felt a hint of discomfort, along with something else unspoken.

A Wu excused herself, saying she was thirsty, and slipped out of the Jingxi Emperor’s arms. She poured herself a cup of tea, deliberately avoiding his gaze.

The Jingxi Emperor tilted his head slightly, watching A Wu’s back as she stood with her head lowered, refusing to look at him.

Gazing at her soft hair, he asked, "When is your birthday?"

A Wu replied listlessly, "The eighth day of the sixth month."

The Jingxi Emperor said, "Then next year, on your birthday, I’ll hold a grand celebration for you."

The offer left her cold. Instead, it felt like he was throwing her scraps, as if she had been clamoring to compete with others.

Still, since he had offered, it was at least well-intentioned. She mumbled, "Alright. Thank you, Your Majesty."

The Jingxi Emperor’s promise didn’t elicit any joyful reaction from A Wu.

He stared at her back. "Do you envy De Ning?"

"Wouldn't you?" she shot back.

The Jingxi Emperor said, "In the future, whatever I can give to Princess De Ning, I will also give to you."

A Wu was astonished, utterly baffled by his words.

Of course, she knew she was different from De Ning.

The first time she saw De Ning, she was kneeling before the steps of the Crown Princess's palace, while De Ning had just skipped past her in delight.

Later, to seek this man's protection, she had willingly offered herself, engaging in a one-night affair with him. The man had once casually mentioned Princess De Ning—clearly the apple of his eye, his only daughter, the princess of Great Hui.

Even if there was some dissatisfaction in his words, what could a father do? At most, it was just disappointment in her not living up to his hopes.

Blood was thicker than water.

As for this man before her, consumed by court politics, he might not even see his daughter once a year. They might not be close, with little to say to each other. Yet, he had ordered preparations for her coming-of-age ceremony over a month in advance, quietly arranging her future, selecting a worthy husband, and preparing a generous dowry.

She, on the other hand, had stayed by this man's side by offering her beauty, earning trinkets and silver in return. To put it bluntly, it was nothing more than payment for services rendered.

Payment was payment, whether meager or generous.

From the moment she stepped into the imperial palace, she had imagined her eventual fate—perhaps just a shroud for her bones. But it didn’t matter; she’d made her bed and would lie in it.

Now, being able to stay in the palace, to hold a noble title, to witness the splendor of a princess’s coming-of-age—it was more than enough. She didn’t feel discontent.

She might envy a neighbor's daughter for having an extra skirt, but she would never envy a princess wearing a phoenix crown—it was simply too far beyond her reach!

As for giving her everything given to De Ning... such empty flattery—how could she possibly believe it?

How about finding her a highborn husband and sending her off with a grand dowry?

Yet behind her, that gaze remained fixed on her, steady but demanding.

He was waiting for her response.

A Wu thought with a sigh and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

The Jingxi Emperor listened to her flat response. "Do you think I would say such things lightly to anyone?"

In his life, he had never stared at someone's back, pleading like a lovestruck fool.

Clearly, the Jingxi Emperor was displeased. No one dared cross an emperor’s temper.

In the past, A Wu would have darted over like an eager pup, nuzzling against him and begging sweetly for mercy.

But now, she couldn’t bring herself to care. She couldn’t muster the energy.

So she turned around, dipped into a shallow curtsy, and said in a faint voice, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. It is all A Wu’s fault. I was just thinking of my parents and elder brother, and I felt a pang of grief. My words were improper—please do not blame me."

After she spoke, he gave no reaction.

A Wu lifted her trembling lashes and saw the Jingxi Emperor staring at her expressionlessly, his emotions unreadable.

After a pause, she crept forward and knelt at his feet.

Lowering her head, she gazed at the embroidered hem of his robe and murmured pleadingly, "Your Majesty, please don’t be angry with A Wu..."

Her voice was soft and submissive, laced with meekness.

The Jingxi Emperor didn’t look at A Wu.

His lips were tightly pressed as he gazed emptily into the distance.

Even though she had humbled herself and admitted her mistake, a hollow, tingling helplessness still churned in his chest.

He wanted to be good to her, to give her promises—deep down, he desired something in return, but she hadn’t given it.

He couldn’t get it.

Seeing his expressionless face, A Wu grew somewhat fearful.

She replayed their earlier exchange in her mind and realized she had indeed become spoiled from his favor, acting too casually without considering that he was no ordinary man—he was the Emperor.

Keeping company with the Emperor was like treading beside a tiger (a Chinese saying). Yet, drunk on his indulgence, she had forgotten herself!

Before the palace consorts and noblewomen, he was a gentle and tolerant ruler, amiably letting the ladies choose the opera first—but that was merely the demeanor of a husband and father.

The moment someone crossed his bottom line, he could wield the executioner’s blade without hesitation.

The more she thought, the more panicked she became. Terrifying scenes flooded her mind, and her knees shook uncontrollably.

Then, without warning, the Jingxi Emperor walked out abruptly.

A Wu was truly frightened now.

Had he demoted her to the cold palace? Or would she be dragged out and beheaded?

Her mind raced, desperately searching for the right words to say.

Gripping her skirt, she scrambled to her feet—she couldn’t let him leave! Once he walked out, she might lose his favor forever!

But just as she stood to chase after him, the Jingxi Emperor turned back inside. They came face-to-face, and A Wu went still under his gaze.

Her lips quivered as she struggled to speak.

The Emperor quirked his thin eyelids, scrutinizing her. "What are you doing?"

A Wu hastily shook her head, fingers twisting in her skirt. "N-nothing..."

His face stayed impassive. "I sent Fu Tai back to the Hall of Heavenly Purity (Fengtian Palace) to announce that I will stay here tonight."

By custom, in the evenings, he would handle urgent memorials from the outer court. Thus, the Seal Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, the Grand Secretary Eunuch, the scribes of the Document Office, and the supervising eunuchs would all wait in the Document Office. Since he would not return tonight, he had to send word.

Hearing this, A Wu finally exhaled in relief. Yet, under the Emperor’s piercing gaze, she guiltily looked away.

The Emperor saw right through her. "Did you think I was leaving?"

A Wu didn’t dare answer, lowering her head and murmuring, "No... A Wu didn’t think that..."

The Emperor quirked his lips. "Right. You didn’t."

She sensed mockery in his tone—he was in a foul mood.

That night, the Jingxi Emperor stayed, and A Wu attended him in bed, walking on eggshells.

But her caution only displeased him further, and his movements grew intentionally harsh.

Unable to bear it any longer, A Wu stared up at him with tearful eyes and pleaded softly, "Your Majesty, please be gentler... I beg you, A Wu can’t take it..."

His chest tightened with sudden warmth.

Gently cradling her flushed face, he kissed her with tender affection.

As his lips brushed her ear, he whispered huskily, "Did you truly believe I would abandon you over just a petty argument?"