Chapter 61 Three Men

Chapter 61 Three Men

The matter of the Jingxi Emperor taking as his own the former Crown Prince's concubine eventually spread through the court. Though there was an ostensibly proper reason, idle gossip still circulated, and some who had caught wind of the events of that night sought to stir up trouble.

Thus, court officials submitted memorials addressing the issue, admonishing the Jingxi Emperor with stale moralizing drawn from classical texts. The Emperor casually tossed them aside without even a glance.

At this point, the Duke of Yingguo stood up and spoke of the memorial submitted by Censor of the West Terrace and Imperial Astronomer Sun Wenbo. He mentioned how her eight characters harmonized fortuitously with the Emperor’s, and how, as a Cultivator, her presence in the palace would avert heavenly tribulations. He then rambled on about the "mysterious feminine being the root of heaven and earth," leaving everyone thoroughly bewildered.

So, the Duke of Yingguo—an elder, a former imperial tutor—was actually shielding the Emperor, advocating for the sovereign to take his son’s concubine? What had the world come to?

Suddenly, the officials felt utterly powerless. What was the point of invoking ancient principles if no one would listen?

Meanwhile, some younger courtiers, full of vigor, rose to the Emperor’s defense. The Emperor had long abstained from visiting the inner palace or taking new consorts—was it fitting for the Son of Heaven to remain celibate like a monk? The conservative censors, already surrounded by children and grandchildren, had no right to meddle endlessly in the Emperor’s private affairs.

The old-school officials were left speechless, their faces reddening in frustration. They could only mutter about how times had changed, how things weren’t like they used to be.

Soon, the debate turned to the customs of the Longchang era, when young people would rush over from ten zhang away to bow respectfully upon seeing their elders, patiently enduring their lectures. By the Tianqi era, the youth would feign ignorance and detour around them, offering only a perfunctory bow before hurrying off.

Morals had declined indeed—now, young courtiers dared to openly clash in court!

The back-and-forth dredged up many old grievances, and the matter of the Emperor taking his son’s concubine was eventually dropped.

Some discreetly probed the Crown Prince’s stance, but he appeared indifferent, as if it were of no concern. No one dared to question him directly, and so the matter was left with sighs of resignation.

A Wu, of course, knew nothing of this. The strict separation of the inner palace shielded her—within her little world, she enjoyed food, leisure, and comfort, with only occasional duties to attend to the old man. Life was blissfully easy.

As the La month arrived, the weather grew colder, and the Jingxi Emperor took to lodging regularly at Langhua Hall.

The rules of the inner palace were unbending, with the Office of Imperial Affairs, the palace chronicler, and the diarist always in attendance at Langhua Hall. Everyone knew this was irregular, but they turned a blind eye.

The Emperor had long neglected the inner palace—now that he was willing to visit, who were they to object?

At first, the record-keepers were scrupulous in their notations, fearing they might miss something crucial. But over time, it became clear that the Emperor and the Little Noble Lady followed the same routine: dining, chatting, drinking tea, occasionally with the Emperor personally teaching her to read or practice calligraphy, before retiring to bed.

And retiring to bed meant bestowing the customary imperial favors—whether once, twice, or more, what did it matter?

Gradually, they grew lax, jotting down perfunctory notes, sometimes incoherent. After all, who would scrutinize the thick volumes of the *Inner Court Diaries* (*Neishi Qijuzhu*)? Life went on as usual.

With the historians’ slackening, A Wu felt more at ease. Sometimes, she even fancied herself the wife of an ordinary wealthy household, with the Jingxi Emperor as her devoted husband, the two living in sweet harmony.

One day, heavy snow blanketed Langhua Hall in white. Peering outside, A Wu wondered if the Emperor would come. If not, she might visit Consort Hui for a game of chess or to work on gourd-patterned embroidery.

The gourd motif symbolized prosperity and abundant offspring, its pronunciation echoing "fortune and rank." With the New Year approaching, everyone was crafting gourd designs, and Consort Hui’s skill made her "Gourd Pattern of Eternal Prosperity" embroidered medallion particularly festive and splendid.

Just then, a eunuch in a vermilion palm-bark rain cape hurried over, announcing that the Empress Dowager had summoned everyone to partake in snow appreciation and enjoy fresh delicacies—even the Emperor was expected.

A Wu pressed for details, but the eunuch knew little. She gave him a gratuity and sent him off.

She felt little inclination toward going. Though the Empress Dowager had been kind to her lately, she disliked gatherings where Princess De Ning, the Crown Princess (who often visited the palace), the Empress, Consort Kang, and others she disliked—and who disliked her—would be present.

Reciprocal antipathy made for awkward encounters—what was the point?

But she had no choice.

As she pondered how to get there in the snow, commotion outside announced the arrival of two maids, entering in a flurry: "His Majesty, concerned that the Noble Lady might be delayed in attending the Empress Dowager, has sent a litter to escort you to Changshou Hall!"

A litter?

That was hardly an honor due to a mere Little Noble Lady.

She asked curiously, "Is this even allowed?"

Yi Lan smiled cheerfully, "Oh, who cares about that? My Lady, this is a gift from His Majesty. If the Emperor grants it, who are we to talk about rules? What rules matter when the Emperor says so?"

A Wu found this reasoning sound and suddenly realized how much she had internalized the palace's ways since her arrival, now speaking constantly of rules and propriety.

She quickly got ready and prepared to leave for Changshou Hall.

The palanquin, crafted from prized huanghuali wood, was enclosed by heavy curtains, and the seat was cushioned with thick sable fur—it was incredibly comfortable!

A Wu tapped her foot on the cloud-patterned footrest and admired the mythical-beast carved armrests, marveling at how even the corners were gilded with copper. The imperial palanquin was truly extraordinary!

Thrilled but trying to act composed, she lifted the heavy curtain to peek outside.

Snow was falling, dusting the vermilion palace walls in white, softening the stern palace grounds. The sight lifted A Wu's spirits.

The Empress Dowager was hosting a family banquet—what kind of feast would it be? She hoped she wouldn’t just be eyeing food out of reach.

But A Wu quickly reassured herself—if she couldn’t reach something, she’d give the Jingxi Emperor puppy-dog eyes until he gave her a portion. She wouldn’t go hungry!

By the time she arrived at Changshou Hall, the other consorts had just arrived as well, even the Empress descending from her carriage.

Naturally, everyone noticed A Wu’s palanquin, their looks flickering—envy, a hint of jealousy, then resigned acceptance.

No one could compete.

She was young, gorgeous, and brought the Emperor back to life. Who could compare?

A Wu noticed their looks and, aware of the attention, made sure to greet the Empress and other consorts with proper decorum.

Seeing her so well-mannered, some even privately praised her for not letting favor go to her head—she seemed refreshingly humble.

Inside Changshou Hall, A Wu paid her respects to the Empress Dowager, who smiled kindly. "Don’t catch a chill in this snow."

After thanking her, A Wu stood aside and overheard the chatter—tonight’s meal was a grand roast.

In the warmth of the side hall, they would roast lamb and seafood while watching the snow fall through shimmering crystal drapes. It sounded delightful.

However, the Jingxi Emperor seemed busy and wouldn’t arrive immediately; a eunuch relayed he’d be late.

The Empress Dowager chuckled to the ladies, "If he were here, we’d all be on edge. It’s better this way—we can enjoy ourselves freely."

The ladies giggled behind their hands.

Soon, they divided into small groups, roasting various meats with the help of palace maids and eunuchs.

A Wu surveyed the ingredients and was overjoyed. Her favorite trio of delicacies from the common markets—seafood, game, and poultry—were all here! Among the seafood were delicacies like sea cucumber, shark tendon, and pufferfish, all her favorites.

Eagerly, she volunteered, "I know how to grill—let me do it!"

Her voice came out a little too loud, drawing everyone’s attention. Flushing, she gave an embarrassed smile and nodded at them.

The Empress, standing beside the Empress Dowager, glanced over dismissively, her look dripping with disdain and quiet mockery.

A Wu was indeed beautiful enough to ensnare Lu Yunjian and the Crown Prince—that much she understood. But for the Jingxi Emperor to fall for her too? That was baffling.

It made her wonder—was there something more to this? Some hidden scheme?

After all, she knew the Jingxi Emperor too well. He wasn’t the type to fall for a pretty face.

The Empress Dowager looked at A Wu not far away and was quite fond of her: "This Young Noble Lady is so delightful."

She thought that the late emperor had passed away too soon, leaving the Jingxi Emperor to rule Great Hui at a young age. The child matured early, never indulged in willfulness, and by thirty-three, had committed no major missteps—yet his life was too cold and solitary.

Now, with such a lively young woman to warm his heart, her son’s expression might gradually soften with warmth, making him less like an aloof ruler and more like an ordinary man’s son.

Moreover, she had secretly arranged for someone to have A Wu’s face and birth chart read. She believed A Wu would bring prosperity to her son and that he might yet have heirs—something she secretly hoped for.

The Crown Princess stood nearby, eyes slightly lowered, speaking little.

She naturally loathed A Wu to the extreme. She knew A Wu hated her in return, but so what? She was with child—this would be the emperor’s firstborn legitimate grandchild, a status unlike any other.

With this belly of hers, no one dared disrespect her even slightly.

She cast a mocking glance at A Wu, who was engrossed in the seafood, thinking such a woman’s favor wouldn’t last—there would come a day when she wept.

Princess De Ning also glanced over and subtly signaled the Crown Princess: "Let’s go see the Ao Mountain Lantern over there."

The Crown Princess smiled gently. "Certainly."

With the New Year approaching, the palace’s glass lanterns and Ao Mountain Lanterns were all set up. Today’s snowy scenery made them even more beautiful against the backdrop of falling snow.

As the two exchanged whispers, they inevitably murmured among themselves. A Wu glimpsed them from afar and faintly sensed their hostility but couldn’t care less.

After all, as long as she held fast to the Jingxi Emperor’s favor, what could they do to her?

Just as she thought this, a palace eunuch announced the emperor’s arrival.

Everyone quickly rose to welcome him, and the gathering of colorful figures turned solemn, with jewels clinking and robes rustling as they adjusted their appearances.

The Jingxi Emperor soon entered the heated chamber. After the courtesies, A Wu looked over—today, he wore casual imperial robes adorned with a gourd-motif insignia, appearing more approachable and less imposing as a ruler.

As she watched, her gaze trembled slightly.

She spotted the Crown Prince and Lu Yunjian—both arriving together!

A Wu nearly choked.

Lu Yunjian was truly shrewd. He clearly held contempt for the Crown Prince, yet here they were, walking together, laughing and chatting as if they were the best of friends.

Poor Crown Prince—how could he know the snake at his side?

A Wu fretted. She knew Lu Yunjian’s intentions, but the Crown Prince didn’t, and the Jingxi Emperor seemed oblivious too. She had never mentioned it to him—if he ever learned she’d kept this from him, would he be furious?

But there was no turning back now. She had missed her chance to confess earlier, and there was no opportunity left.

As for the Empress, they were locked in mutual blackmail, guarding each other’s secrets—otherwise, they’d all go down together!

At that moment, the three men were viewing the snow through a glass partition in the adjacent warm hall, separated from the women only by a curtain.

Their voices carried faintly, and their silhouettes were faintly visible.

Though Great Hui observed strict gender segregation, since this was a family gathering during the New Year at the elderly’s residence, everyone was more relaxed.

A Wu listened carefully. The Jingxi Emperor sat at the head, while the other two were seated below. Though not exactly lively, the atmosphere was harmonious.

The sight of these three men conversing so warmly left her uneasy—she couldn’t pinpoint why...

Amid the festive season, the three men gathered, laughing and chatting, with noblewomen coming and going—a picture of festive warmth.

But others would never know that she could rank these three men by height and build, then assess their abilities with careful consideration.

The Jingxi Emperor was naturally the best—he was the emperor, and an emperor was the best in every way!

A Wu recalled their nights together—he was so perceptive. Even in passion's heat, he could pick up on her slightest moods and provide her with the utmost pleasure.

The Jingxi Emperor had never lied to her either. If he didn’t take other women to bed, then he simply didn’t.

He had once had a son and a daughter, and from the very beginning, he had made it clear to her—this was a truly honorable man.

A Wu was completely lost in admiration for him. She even felt that if one day he were to take another woman to bed, she might not mind. For an emperor, for a man, to go this far for her—she was content and grateful.

—Oh, but no. If he did take another, she’d still get mad and give him the cold shoulder.

Just as she was thinking this, she suddenly felt someone staring at her. Lifting her eyes, she saw the Crown Princess.

The Crown Princess was staring at her.

Princess De Ning seemed to have noticed as well, arching an eyebrow at her with open contempt.

Ever since Princess De Ning had entered the Imperial Academy, she had rarely appeared in the inner palace. Now, seeing her again was like meeting a sworn enemy—Princess De Ning probably wished she could rush over and slap A Wu.

But A Wu didn’t even blink.

She even smirked challengingly at Princess De Ning—*Come on, hit me if you dare.*

Naturally, she was now feeling bold thanks to the emperor’s favor. Though she could never directly confront Princess De Ning, neither could the princess bully her.

If Princess De Ning bullied her, she’d pay for it.

Seeing this, Princess De Ning flushed with rage, shaking her fist at A Wu threateningly.

A Wu blinked back at her innocently.

Princess De Ning was so furious that she ignored the subtle warnings of the female palace official beside her and marched over.

She stopped in front of A Wu. "You—"

But before she could utter another word, Fu Tai came over smiling cheerfully.

Princess De Ning immediately fell silent.

Her father had ordered her to study with a renowned scholar at the Imperial Academy for two years, five hours a day. She knew this was a punishment and had to toe the line. If the emperor caught her misbehaving again, it might become six hours, seven hours… or she might not be allowed back.

She had to be careful.

As soon as Fu Tai arrived, many of the imperial consorts and relatives turned their attention to him—after all, he was the Jingxi Emperor’s right-hand man.

A Wu gave Fu Tai a small curtsy and smiled softly.

Fu Tai returned the gesture before saying, "My lady, the Empress Dowager just asked about a passage from the scriptures—she drew a blank. Since you have studied Taoist teachings diligently, you might remember. She requests your assistance in interpreting it."

Huh?

A Wu’s brows slowly furrowed as she stared at Fu Tai in disbelief.

Lately, aside from attending lectures in the palace, she had been learning the qin and occasionally reading scriptures with the Jingxi Emperor, hearing his deep insights. Now she understood deeply—the emperor was truly erudite, well-versed in Taoist philosophy.

Her father had once been a scholar, well-read in the classics, but after abandoning Confucianism for commerce, he had left all that behind. To A Wu, the emperor was the smartest man alive.

And now… she was being asked to explain the scriptures?

The key was… A Wu glanced over—wasn’t the Crown Prince and Lu Yunjian right beside the Empress Dowager?

So she had to explain the scriptures in front of the Crown Prince and Lu Yunjian?

A Wu’s legs went weak. She felt like she’d rather drop dead first.