Chapter 53 Forbidden Land: May the Empress's wish be fulfilled, and may peace prevail year after year.

The sixteenth day of the eleventh month of the eleventh year of the Qianyuan era was the Empress's birthday.

Several days in advance, officials from the Ministry of Rites had collected congratulatory messages from all civil and military officials below the rank of prince, and after sorting and reviewing them, they were presented to the Empress for her approval.

The storerooms in Fengyi Palace have been open lately, with a constant stream of various birthday gifts, ranging from nearly extinct paintings and calligraphy to expensive and exquisite ornaments and jade jewelry. The people in the court are the most astute; they deduce what gifts they should give based on the Emperor's attitude towards the Empress.

If the emperor treats the empress coldly, the courtiers will send gifts that are merely superficial and not particularly impressive or expensive.

If the emperor treats the empress with the utmost respect, the court officials will present congratulatory gifts that appear prestigious but lack originality, such as jade ruyi (a type of scepter) or Guanyin statues.

If the Emperor cherishes the Empress like a precious treasure, then this congratulatory gift will require careful consideration! It must not only catch the eye of His Majesty and the Empress, but also demonstrate the thoughtfulness and meticulousness of their preparation. After all, the Emperor adores the Empress so much that if any gift catches her eye and she likes it, the person who gave the gift will likely gain favor with His Majesty as well.

Just like right now—

Emperor Qianyuan, who had just finished court, strode over. As soon as he approached Wen Miao, he habitually took her hands in his, felt their temperature, and then beckoned Shi Cui and Wan Bi to bring her another cloak.

Emperor Qianyuan instructed: "Bring me that mink coat."

Wen Miao, who was only wearing an outer robe draped over her shoulders, smiled and said, "I've only been out for a short while, why would I need to wear such thick clothes?"

“It’s necessary.” Emperor Qian Yuan said solemnly, reaching out to rub Wen Miao’s slightly cool face with the back of his fingers. He then took the cloak from Shi Cui and casually unfolded it, draping it over Wen Miao’s shoulders and pulling the furry collar to protect her neck.

He adjusted the drawstring on his cloak and said, "You had some abdominal pain during your last period, which is obviously due to the onset of winter. If you don't keep warm, I'm afraid you'll feel uncomfortable again next time."

Wen Miao didn't seem to care much: "But women always feel a little uncomfortable during their period."

"Doctor Fang said that proper care can prevent discomfort."

When it comes to matters concerning Wen Miao's health, Emperor Qian Yuan is as stubborn as an old man, with an unyielding spirit that cannot be swayed by even ten oxen. Not to mention adding clothes or blankets on cold days, as long as he is by Wen Miao's side, no cold object can get near Wen Miao.

It was somewhat exaggerated, somewhat funny, but it also made Wen Miao's heart soften.

Now, after adjusting his cloak, Emperor Qianyuan took Wen Miao's hand again, transferring the warmth of his palm to her, before turning his head to look at the empress's private storeroom, which had been opened.

He asked, "Among these gifts, is there anything you like?"

Wen Miao pursed her lips, pointing to a few items somewhat shyly.

Emperor Qian Yuan knew her preferences very well. Almost the instant his gaze fell upon the congratulatory gifts, he had already sketched out the few items that would please Wen Miao the most in his mind, and the final result was indeed the same. Clearly, Emperor Qian Yuan was 100% accurate.

The congratulatory gifts pleased the Empress, and the Emperor was pleased. He waved his hand and ordered Xu Sheng to reward the guests.

According to the old calendar of the Great Chu, the Empress's birthday should be celebrated in a grand manner. Wen Miao had no need for such lively celebrations, but Emperor Qian Yuan seemed to be in high spirits and wished to announce the day to the whole world so that everyone would send birthday wishes to his Empress.

Soon, the preparations were coming to an end, and the Empress of Great Chu's birthday officially arrived.

On the sixteenth day of the eleventh lunar month, a grand palace banquet was held, filled with singing and dancing.

Inside the magnificent palace, the Emperor and Empress of the Great Chu sat side by side on a high platform. Emperor Qian Yuan wore a black robe with a golden dragon design, his face was stern, but his eyes and brows were filled with a hint of gentleness.

The empress beside him wore a deep red official robe, adorned with a golden phoenix, shimmering and dazzling. Her hair was not decorated with overly ornate ornaments, but only with a single golden comb and a gold hairpin on the side, yet she still exuded an air of elegance.

A beaded curtain hung slightly above the high platform, creating a private space for the emperor and empress that was far enough away from the hustle and bustle, yet it did not prevent them from watching the various performances below.

Below, princes and ministers sat on both sides, with snacks, fruits, and wine on wooden tables. After everyone congratulated the Empress on her birthday and wished her good health, musicians and dancers soon appeared, with string music playing and light singing and dancing.

Behind a small table close to each other, several officials whispered among themselves.

"...Why is there a curtain hanging in the hall today?"

"Your Majesty, the Empress can die if she wants to, why are you bothering with this?"

"I was just curious! This is the first time I've seen something like this at a palace banquet... It's never happened before!"

"How many palace banquets have there been before? You know His Majesty has never liked these fancy things. Now that it's the Empress's birthday, why are you holding this one?"

The official was taken aback. "...Just for the Empress?"

"Otherwise what?"

The Emperor's deep affection for the Empress is obvious to anyone with eyes to see. Meanwhile, behind the newly installed beaded curtain, Emperor Qianyuan saw that Wen Miao was sitting upright and not relaxed, so he raised his arm and pulled her closer to his chest.

"……His Majesty!"

Wen Miao gasped softly, her hand pressed against the emperor's chest, her ears still slightly red, "There are still so many people!"

Knowing that Wen Miao was shy, the emperor chuckled and said, "That's why I ordered someone to hang this beaded curtain."

Wen Miao pursed her lips, a hint of doubt still lingering in her eyes.

"The Empress trusts me."

Emperor Qian Yuan smiled, as cunning as a fox, and with a mere lift of his arm, pulled Wen Miao, who was seated beside him, to sit down beside him. "I know the Empress is shy, and I know you don't like being looked at too much. Look closely—"

He raised his hand and pointed towards the beaded curtain.

"The curtain on the outside is made of thousands of fine beads, which does not affect the viewing of the performance; the inside is covered with a gauze curtain, so the view from the inside is clear, but the colors are blurred from the outside. Even if the ministers below dare to look up, they would never know that the Empress is sitting in my lap at this moment."

Emperor Qian Yuan wanted Wen Miao to have a lively celebration on her birthday, but also wanted to avoid making Wen Miao feel awkward, so he came up with this method, which was unprecedented in the Great Chu. But so what? It's just hanging a curtain in front of the main hall, can't he do that?

There are always more solutions than problems in this world, and now that the beaded curtain is in front of him, his desire to embrace Wen Miao and celebrate her birthday together has become a reality.

Because of the emperor's words, Wen Miao gradually relaxed. She leaned against Emperor Qian Yuan's arm, her waist slightly raised, and opened her beautiful eyes to admire the singing and dancing below through the beaded curtain.

While Wen Miao was attentively watching the performance, Emperor Qian Yuan quietly stared at her profile, occasionally bringing her tea and water, and feeding her food, showing great care.

After the palace banquet for the Empress's birthday ended in the evening, the officials left the palace one after another. Emperor Qianyuan, holding Wenmiao's hand, walked from the rear hall, up the white marble steps, and finally stood on the open-air square on a higher level.

Emperor Qian Yuan was tall and strong, which shielded Wen Miao from all the wind. He held Wen Miao's hand and led her to stand by the railing. Suddenly, he raised his hand and covered her eyes.

“…Your Majesty?” Wen Miao didn’t struggle, but just tilted her head gently, like a cat being pampered in the emperor’s palm.

"I have prepared a surprise for the Empress."

"I only wish that the Empress may have her wishes fulfilled and live in peace year after year."

After saying this, Emperor Qian Yuan slowly lowered the hand that had been covering Wen Miao's eyes.

Suddenly, her vision brightened, and Wen Miao parted her lips slightly, letting out a surprised gasp. She saw that the entire distant sky was filled with Kongming lanterns, like a sky full of warm-colored stars, dazzling and brilliant.

The officials who had just stepped out of the palace gates couldn't help but look up at the sky. The cold winter night was warmed by the countless Kongming lanterns, which made the entire road wide and bright, as if it were daytime.

When the empress was established earlier, the old Grand Tutor, who had spoken out in support of Lady Xie, narrowed his eyes. He stroked his beard and walked through the sky full of Kongming lanterns, shaking his head slightly as he walked, as if he were murmuring something softly.

Xie Jingxuan was also a member under the Kongming lantern. Looking at the warm light filling the sky, he felt both gratified and uneasy.

...

After viewing the Kongming lanterns, Emperor Qianyuan and Wen Miao rode together in the imperial carriage back to Fengyi Palace. Upon reaching the palace gate, Emperor Qianyuan said that he had a second gift to give to Wen Miao.

"There's more?" Wen Miao asked in surprise. She took Emperor Qian Yuan's hand as she stepped down from the palanquin. "What is that?"

"This requires the Empress to go and see for herself."

As he spoke, Emperor Qianyuan stepped back, and the palace servants serving in Fengyi Palace also stopped in their tracks, making room for the Empress to witness the congratulatory gift.

Wen Miao looked curious. She couldn't imagine what other surprises there might be. She lifted her skirt slightly and stepped into the hall where the candles had been lit in advance. She then faintly heard a few soft humming sounds.

Wen Miao paused slightly, then subconsciously turned to look at Emperor Qian Yuan.

Emperor Qian Yuan smiled but remained silent, only gesturing for Wen Miao to continue.

She withdrew her gaze, took a few more steps inside in her soft-soled embroidered shoes, and suddenly a pure white ball of fluff rolled out, its body covered in fur, with only a pair of bright black eyes and a wet nose showing.

"It's a puppy!"

Wen Miao was surprised and immediately half-squatted down to hug the little thing in her arms.

This little dog has a slightly pointed muzzle, four chubby paws with a pinkish tinge, and a clean, beautiful white body. Just by looking at its appearance, it even resembles a wolf somewhat.

Wen Miao: "This is..."

Emperor Qian Yuan spoke slowly and deliberately—

"It is the offspring of a wolf and a dog, the only pure white one. This color of fur is not suitable for living in the wild, so I brought it back and wanted to give it to the Empress as a birthday gift."

"Does the Empress like this gift?"

Wen Miao likes animals.

In that dream that Emperor Qian Yuan had been immersed in for several years, he had seen stray cats and dogs meet the kind-hearted little goddess countless times, and he had also envied those little things that could be held in Wen Miao's arms and gently stroked by her.

For a long time during his childhood, Emperor Qian Yuan wished he could shed his human skin and transform into any cat or dog, waiting by the roadside where the goddess would walk, obediently accompanying Wen Miao from then on.

However, this initial simple idea gradually faded as Emperor Qianyuan grew older, and was replaced by the desire of an adult male to love a woman.

At this moment, inside the Trench Coat Palace—

"I really like it."

Wen Miao's eyes were slightly red. Although she had lost her memory, she could not hide some of her instinctive preferences, and Emperor Qian Yuan could always clearly know what she liked and disliked.

Emperor Qianyuan: "As long as the Empress is happy."

Emperor Qianyuan stroked Wen Miao's shoulder, glanced at the little wolfhound who was leaning against her with its tongue lolling out, clicked his tongue slightly in his heart, and turned his gaze away unhappily, as if he didn't want to see it. The Empress liked it, but in the future, this little wolfhound would probably compete with him for favor. The Empress had never hugged him like this before.

Emperor Qianyuan was indignant, but he remained outwardly composed, calmly asking, "Empress, please give this little one a name."

Wen Miao chuckled, "Since it's so white, let's call it Snowball."

First there was the white horse named Jade Lion, now there's the white dog named Snowball. The two little guys, one big and one small, are quite a good match.

Snowball is the offspring of a wolf and a dog. It is beautiful, with a slightly pointed muzzle, round eyes, and short, clean white fur. It had been cleaned before entering the Phoenix Palace and was warm to hold, with a faint scent of fur.

Wen Miao adored the little creature and, after washing up and changing her clothes, she held Snowball in her arms and teased it.

She lay back on the couch with her legs bent, while the little dog Snowball nestled in her arms. Snowball's two chubby paws would occasionally tug at the red rope around Wen Miao's neck, and sometimes it would rub its wet nose against her to sniff her. It was both itchy and tingling, which made Wen Miao smile and occasionally let out a few happy whispers.

After Emperor Qianyuan finished washing up, he saw that the little thing that had just arrived that day had already taken over his spot and was even licking the snow-white skin on Wen Miao's collarbone with its tongue.

Tsk.

Emperor Qian Yuan gritted his teeth slightly, raised his hand to pick up the snowball, and placed the puppy on the soft cushion next to his footstool.

"Hey, Snowball..."

Wen Miao subconsciously reached out to try and catch the puppy.

"Empress, it's late." Emperor Qian Yuan lowered his eyes, took a wet wipe and carefully wiped Wen Miao's hands, while subtly using his toe to move the cushion away.

Wen Miao saw it clearly, and feeling relaxed, she smiled and asked in return, "Your Majesty is even jealous of a puppy?"

Emperor Qianyuan paused for a moment, then raised his hand to pull down the bed curtains. Suddenly, he embraced Wen Miao's waist and they lay down together on the couch.

He leaned down and kissed Wen Miao's lips very lightly, whispering, "Whoever gets close to the Empress, I will be jealous of them."

Wen Miao's lower back went weak and her whole body burned from Emperor Qian Yuan's kiss. She felt as if she had lost all her strength in an instant. Before she could say anything more, her wrists were already held above her head by the other party.

Although the room was dimly lit, Wen Miao could always feel Emperor Qian Yuan's overly hot and passionate gaze. Even though they had been intimate many times, she still trembled her eyelashes and couldn't help but flinch.

Unfortunately, the emperor also loved to see Wen Miao's voluptuous yet shy demeanor.

He lowered his head and kissed it, his warm lips landing perfectly on the trembling, snowy, and cool moonlight.

Wen Miao shuddered, her cheeks flushed, and even the corners of her eyes reddened slightly. Then, she heard Emperor Qian Yuan's slow, deliberate voice, which even carried a hint of amusement—

"...Empress, I am thirsty."

"Then, I'll get out of bed and get a drink of water."

"But I don't want to drink that."

"..."

Wen Miao didn't speak; she had a gut feeling that Emperor Qian Yuan wasn't up to anything good.

Sure enough, the next second the emperor leaned down to her ear and whispered a few slow but clear words, which Wen Miao could not pretend to hear even if she wanted to.

"Ji Huan, you, you..."

"Don't worry, Your Majesty, I will never let you get tired."

Almost the instant Emperor Qian Yuan finished speaking, the bed curtains fluttered slightly, and Wen Miao, who had been lying on her back, was suddenly thrown up by the emperor's grip on her waist and abdomen.

Soft, fragrant black hair rose and fell on the bed, while Wen Miao was supported by a pair of dark hands, straddling the other's chest. With just a glance down, she could see the overly prominent nose and sensual thin lips of Emperor Qian Yuan.

Wen Miao shuddered.

Some physiological memories are triggered and surge up as soon as you see the related object, instantly settling on your body's nerves.

The emperor, reclining on the couch and admiring the "beautiful view," was utterly composed. His thin lips parted slightly, as if in a plea, or perhaps a feigned seductive call—

"Miaomiao, come sit down."

In the cold winter evenings, the capital city is often swept by howling winds. As the wind rises and falls, it seems that occasionally a few delicate and hoarse whimpers can be heard from within the Phoenix Palace. They are very soft and faint, and perhaps there is also the confused whimper of a small dog. In the end, they are all swallowed up by the cold wind and remain unknown to others.

...

On the morning of the second day after the Empress's birthday, it snowed in the capital.

The pure white snow fell like cotton wool, covering the ground in just half a morning. It reflected a bright, sparkling luster in the sunlight, as if a wealthy family had scattered a whole box of small pearls.

When Wen Miao got up, Emperor Qian Yuan was still holding the morning court session. She changed into a long dress with wide sleeves and a thin velvet lining. After hesitating for a moment, perhaps remembering the emperor's instructions, she put on a cloak instead.

Snowball wagged its tail and followed at her feet, wearing a small outfit that Luo Shi, Shi Cui, and Wan Bi had worked together to sew the day before. The clear and bright blue color stood out against the snow. Wen Miao even had the palace servants bring out the jade lion as well, and they strolled in the Imperial Garden after the snow.

In the vast harem, apart from Consort Rong, who spent most of her time in Shou Kang Palace eating vegetarian food and chanting scriptures, there was only Empress Wen Miao. In addition, with Emperor Qian Yuan's blatant favoritism, the entire palace was a place where Wen Miao could move around at will.

Wen Miao held the docile and tall jade lion by the hand in her left hand, while the little dog Snowball ran around on its right foot. Shi Cui and Wan Bi followed a few steps behind, followed by a large group of servants.

Jade Lion, having seen many scenes in the palace, showed little curiosity about the Imperial Garden after the snow. After walking for a while, it nuzzled Wen Miao with its head, acting like a sycophant despite being a white horse.

Snowball was still young and new to the palace, so everything was new and exciting to it. One moment it was digging in the snow, the next it was jumping and bumping into Wenmiao's shoes. When it heard its mistress's gentle call, it wagged its tail and tumbled under Wenmiao's skirt, leaving only a patch of its furry little bottom showing.

Before long, the snow was covered with tiny footprints. Seeing that it was almost time for her walk, Wen Miao prepared to return to the palace and take a look at the recent updates on the "slave system" reform that Prince Rui had just presented the day before.

After taking only two steps, the jade lion snorted. Wen Miao turned her head and saw that Xueqiu had crookedly turned to the other side along the brick-red palace wall. Shi Cui and Wan Bi quickly chased after it.

Although Xu Sheng had introduced the various parts of the palace, Wen Miao still didn't recognize all the paths. Seeing that the palace walls and roads over there looked a bit unfamiliar, she turned to ask Luo Shi, "...Which palace is over there?"

"Your Majesty, that is the Cold Palace, which is also considered a forbidden area in the palace. It used to house many abandoned concubines."

"From the Cold Palace..."

Wen Miao paused, gazing into the distance through the falling snow.

Emperor Qianyuan's background was no secret in the Great Chu. She paused for a moment, suddenly recalling when she first entered the palace. She had no interest in exploring the "Cold Palace and Forbidden Area," and even knowing that the emperor had grown up there as a child, she felt little emotion. But now it was different...

After seeing Xueqiu being carried back by Shicui and Wanbi, Wenmiao suddenly asked, "Can I go there and take a look?"

Luo paused, unable to reply immediately, while Shi Cui and Wan Bi both looked up, a hint of panic flashing in their eyes.

However, Wen Miao's gaze remained fixed on the distant end of the palace wall, and she did not notice the unusual behavior shown by the palace servant beside her at the first moment.

"No? Then it's fine..."

Before Wen Miao could finish speaking, Emperor Qian Yuan, who had come to find the Empress after the morning court session, arrived in a sedan chair and said, "There's nothing wrong with that."

"……His Majesty?"

Wen Miao turned her head and saw that the palanquin carried by the palace servants had come to a steady stop.

Emperor Qianyuan, who had not yet changed his clothes after the court session, was wearing a black dragon robe. His handsome face was partially obscured by the crown tassels. He had already stepped down from the palanquin and stood beside her.

The palace servants wisely stepped back, making way for the Emperor and Empress. Even the jade lion was led to the back, standing alongside the snowball that Wanbi was holding.

Emperor Qianyuan raised his arm and grasped Wen Miao's hand, asking in a low, seemingly casual voice, "Why does the Empress suddenly want to look there?"

Wen Miao pursed her lips for a moment, a hint of tenderness appearing in her gentle eyes. She shook her head and said again, "I suddenly don't want to watch anymore."

That place was probably not a place worth "revisiting" for Emperor Qianyuan.

Emperor Qianyuan chuckled softly, "Is the Empress feeling sorry for me?"

Wen Miao gave the emperor a knowing look, grabbed his hand, and tried to pull him away.

"It's nothing, really." Instead, Emperor Qian Yuan stopped in his tracks and squeezed his smaller hand in his palm. "Since the Empress is curious, I will take you to see it... There are also some memorable things about that place for me."

—It was in the cold palace that he met the goddess of his dreams. If he had not been treated coldly, he would probably have lost the opportunity to form a bond with Wen Miao.

As he spoke, Emperor Qianyuan instructed Xu Sheng and the other palace servants behind him: "You all stay here and do not follow."

"yes."

Brick-red palace walls stand on both sides, enclosing a wide, long path, covered with a soft layer of snow.

Wen Miao had changed into thick-soled shoes when she went out earlier today. The shoes crunched on the snow as she stepped on them. Her hands were held by Emperor Qian Yuan, and they were warm to the touch. The two walked side by side in the snow at a leisurely pace.

Emperor Qianyuan was familiar with the road leading to the Cold Palace. As he walked, he recounted what he had seen and heard in the Cold Palace courtyard during his childhood.

When the founding emperor of the Great Chu Dynasty was in power, the Cold Palace was not yet a Cold Palace; it was just an ordinary palace, but in terms of location, it was considered remote within the entire imperial palace.

It is said that a beauty of low status was favored by the emperor for one night. However, the concubines in the palace were jealous and interfered, so the beauty was assigned to a remote place. Because the location was remote and the journey was long, she was forgotten by the fickle emperor after only a few days.

The beauty herself was timid and dared not step out of the palace gates on ordinary days, for fear of offending the nobles in the palace. So she endured it year after year.

After a long time, the emperor died and a new emperor ascended the throne. Only then did they discover that in that remote palace, there lived a pitiful woman who was old and faded, insane, and kept shouting, "Your Majesty will come to see me."

Thus, the Cold Palace came into being, and in the following years, it became the final resting place for countless disfavored and disgraced concubines. Once inside, they usually had no chance of leaving, and could only be restricted in their freedom day after day. Some went mad, some became mentally impaired, and some chose to hang themselves from the beams, giving up their lives that no one cared about.

The Cold Palace was like a dirty garment that Emperor Qian Yuan wanted to strip away and hide away forever, filled with decay and ugliness. But if Wen Miao wanted to see it, Emperor Qian Yuan would carelessly put it back on.

At the same time, this is also the secret place where he finally hid that snow-white gauze dress after going around in circles; it is the place where he first met the goddess in his dream.

At this moment, the handsome emperor slowly pushed open the gates of the Cold Palace. The desolate courtyard was cold and clean, with only weeds growing along the edge of the courtyard wall. Several feet away from the palace gate was a door with an old lock.

Inside, from another world, a jeweled wedding dress gleams under the dim beams, concealing endless secrets.

In addition, Emperor Qianyuan, holding Wen Miao's hand, stepped over the threshold and stood completely in the courtyard of the Cold Palace.

He was a daring gambler.

-----------------------

Author's Note: Your Majesty: I am thirsty.

Wen Miao: Get out!!!