Chapter 54 A Major Move to Find a Backer

Ever since the news spread that the Empress Dowager needed concubines to attend to her during her illness, A-Zhu began a tug-of-war with the Empress Dowager Shu, who was recuperating in the Shou Kang Palace.

Whenever the topic of serving the sick comes up, A-Zhu is full of ailments, aches and pains, nausea, and dizziness... But as long as the topic of serving the sick isn't mentioned, A-Zhu seems perfectly fine, yet she always says nice things, professing unwavering loyalty while holed up in Guanju Palace "recuperating."

Because of this, Empress Dowager Shu was so angry that she smashed the bowl of medicine she drank in Shou Kang Palace.

"Empress, is this the concubine you've been disciplining and controlling?!"

Empress Dowager Shu rebuked the incompetent and useless Empress Wang, who was kneeling before her.

"If you hadn't been so foolish and blind, insisting on recommending this scourge to the Emperor, where would all this trouble be in the palace now?"

Empress Wang couldn't even lift her head in front of the sharp-tongued and extremely temperamental Empress Dowager Shu.

If saying a few more words is seen as talking back by the Empress Dowager, the consequences will be even worse.

Therefore, Empress Wang simply lowered her head.

"Your Majesty, please forgive me."

"Your Majesty, I have made a mistake. You have every right to reprimand me. I beg you not to upset yourself because of this."

Watching Empress Wang kneeling there, admitting her mistakes again and again, and only admitting her mistakes, Empress Dowager Shu felt as if she had been punched in the face, becoming increasingly frustrated.

Empress Dowager Shu, still in a bad mood, berated Empress Wang mercilessly until Empress Wang brought up the hunting incident at Mulan... Only then did Empress Dowager Shu, who had been confused by anger these past few days, remember what had happened.

Empress Dowager Shu was concerned about this matter, so she waved her hand to dismiss Empress Wang.

Empress Wang did not want to stay in Shou Kang Palace for even a moment longer, and left as if fleeing.

"The emperor was tired of seeing all these women in the palace, even the last one to enter. That's why a vixen-like woman had captured his heart."

Thanks to Emperor Xuanpei's unwavering protection, Empress Dowager Shu, though unwilling to admit it, is now truly unable to touch Azhu.

However, the rules of the Yuan Dynasty were not so strict that women were not allowed to leave their homes. During the Mulan Hunting, it was not unacceptable for court officials to bring their wives and the young ladies of their households.

When the late emperor was alive, during the Mulan hunt, the second daughter of the Marquis of Zhongren's family, who was extremely skilled in riding and archery, won first place in a bird archery competition. She not only won the late emperor's praise but also received a gift from the emperor as a reward.

Now that Emperor Xuanpei is showing favoritism towards Azhu in the harem, Empress Dowager Shu naturally wants someone to share this imperial favor. When the emperor lets go of his hands, it will be easy for him to deal with Azhu.

"Tell Wu'er to bring those two girls, Yunhui and Yunya, with him when he goes to the hunting grounds this time, so they can come and pay their respects to me."

Yunhui and Yunya are twin sisters, now in their prime, sixteen or seventeen years old, like flower buds, so lovely and endearing.

Since returning to the palace, Empress Dowager Shu has been letting A-Zhu ride on her head and act so arrogantly. And Consort Xian is a useless coward... Unable to swallow this insult, Empress Dowager Shu didn't even think about the imperial concubine selection next year. She just wanted to send someone into the palace to serve the emperor right now.

Not only that, Empress Dowager Shu also held her nose and had someone praise Empress Wang to the skies, saying that she was devout, filial, and served her well. Empress Dowager Shu felt much better afterward.

During dinner, Empress Wang, having received a hint from Li Mama, understood perfectly and said that she would definitely take the concubines to Shou Kang Palace to pay their respects to the Empress Dowager first thing the next morning.

Guanju Palace

Ah Zhu was excitedly trying on the hunting and archery attire.

Since Emperor Xuanpei promised to teach Azhu riding and archery, his word was naturally his bond.

Thinking that it would be inconvenient for A-Zhu to wear a long, flowing skirt or other long dresses, the Imperial Wardrobe sent over a special set of clothes. It was a round-necked, narrow-sleeved orange-red riding and archery outfit, complete with a jade belt and accessories.

Qingliu and Lvfu surrounded Azhu, helping her to get dressed.

"Her Majesty, it fits you perfectly."

"The colors are all so bright and vibrant. When the Empress wears them, it's truly a sight to behold."

Even though Ah Zhu was dressed as a man, anyone who wasn't blind could tell from her face that she wasn't a man. But Ah Zhu was still happy to have gotten what she wanted.

A smug Ah Zhu looked in the bronze mirror, compared his height with his hand, and immediately burst out laughing.

"I've grown taller now."

"Yes, Your Majesty, you've changed your clothes."

Qingliu and Lvfu laughed and said things to cheer her up.

"When the time comes, you'll be wearing thick-soled official boots, riding a horse and gracefully drawing your bow and shooting arrows. Just looking at your back, you might be mistaken for some young gentleman."

Ah Zhu nodded with a smile, then looked at Qing Liu and Lü Fu, "You two should also change into something more practical then."

"We've finally managed to leave the palace, so let's make ourselves as comfortable as possible."

Qingliu and Lüfu naturally had no reason not to agree, and the two smiled and nodded repeatedly.

"Great!" Ah Zhu clapped his hands and happily imagined, "Then we'll be like the characters in the poems, leading a yellow dog on the left and holding a falcon on the right... drawing our bows like a full moon."

The people in the room burst into laughter, and this joyful mood lasted until Sancai came in to report that they had to go to Shou Kang Palace to pay their respects again early the next morning.

Ah Zhu: ......No, hehe.

Ah, we'll go to the hunting grounds the day after tomorrow, and Empress Dowager Shu will be fully recovered by tomorrow. Anyone with eyes can see that this old lady also wants to go to the hunting grounds.

"This person can't even fake being sick properly."

Muttering to himself, Ah Zhu changed out of his riding and archery uniform with a displeased expression.

The Empress Dowager and Empress Wang are different.

Ah Zhu's shameless methods were effective against the concubines in the palace, but they were useless against this "Buddha".

If A-Zhu wants to go to the hunting grounds, she cannot suddenly fall ill tomorrow and must stay in Guanju Palace to "recuperate".

If A-Zhu really wants to hide, and doesn't even go to the hunting grounds, that's perfect. It's better if she doesn't go to the hunting grounds. Empress Dowager Shu will be very pleased. With the emperor away, this old lady can really kill her.

"I have to go pay my respects tomorrow, otherwise that Empress Dowager will surely eat me alive."

Sullen and unhappy, A-Zhu turned her head and nestled in the brocade tent, muttering to Consort Feng, "Your Majesty, it's not good that I have such a low status, so it's normal that these 'noble ladies' in the palace look down on me."

"But it is only natural for the concubines to compete for the emperor's favor, so why should the empress dowager interfere?"

"Even the matter of a 'miscarriage' couldn't move her; she was determined to kill me?"

After Ah Zhu's miscarriage, she received no comfort whatsoever from the Shou Kang Palace.

Yes, there wasn't even a symbolic consolation. Empress Dowager Shu even blamed her for concealing the truth, as if she were being reprimanded for her heinous crimes and unforgivable sins. She also tried to send her to Shou Kang Palace several times.

Even Consort Feng, who had hanged herself long ago, couldn't explain the matter concerning Empress Dowager Shu.

Ah Zhu sighed softly.

Because of the incident of her kneeling and reciting the "miscarriage" prayer at Shou Kang Palace, it was clear that Empress Dowager Shu was in the wrong, and even though Emperor Xuanpei was determined to protect her, he had a legitimate reason to do so.

However, Empress Dowager Shu was, after all, the emperor's adoptive mother and held the noble title of Empress Dowager. The emperor was certainly unwilling to bear such a reputation for disloyalty, unfilial piety, and ingratitude.

Old enemies are not gone, and new enemies are already arriving.

This Empress Dowager harbors deep-seated malice for no apparent reason, and is the kind of person who would try to kill someone without warning.

But you can't hurt her, you can't kill her.

I'm so worried.

So when Emperor Xuanpei arrived at Guanju Palace, he saw a snow-white ball of flesh with furrowed brows and tearful eyes, full of sorrow.

Seeing that A-Zhu seemed not to have heard anything else and was just sitting there with her eyes down, lost in her own worries, Emperor Xuanpei bent down to look at her and slowly wiped away the tears on her chin.

"Why are you sitting here crying all by yourself?"

"Your Majesty?"

Upon seeing who it was, A-Zhu threw down the handkerchief in her hand and rushed towards Emperor Xuanpei.

Emperor Xuanpei reached out and grabbed the handkerchief, then let Azhu hug him tightly.

He stood firmly and caught A-Zhu, then asked in a low voice, "Who angered our Consort Jiang?"

Born with a radiant and charming appearance, Ah Zhu, as delicate as a flower reflected in water, specially changed into a pure and innocent white flower look tonight, with delicate eyebrows and eyes brimming with autumn water.

"No one." As she said this, A-Zhu looked up at Emperor Xuanpei with teary eyes. She looked so aggrieved, and the tears in her eyes gave her a poignant and fragile beauty.

When Emperor Xuanpei looked at Azhu like that, his eyes were anything but innocent.

He reached out and hugged Ah Zhu, and they fell onto the chaise lounge together.

Emperor Xuanpei leaned back in his chair, supporting Azhu as she rode on his back and sat in his lap.

Once again suppressing the urge to lean in and suck at Ah Zhu's tears, Emperor Xuanpei slowly stroked Ah Zhu's cool and smooth black hair that cascaded down her back.

"Your eyes are all red from crying, and you still say no? I'm right here."

As soon as Emperor Xuanpei spoke, Azhu felt as if he had found his pillar of support.

She sniffed, raised her eyes, and glanced timidly at Emperor Xuanpei. Then, she said in a low, fearful voice, "Your Majesty, I am afraid."

Emperor Xuanpei took a slow breath.

Perhaps it was because he hadn't liked many things in the past, and those things were all inanimate objects, that Emperor Xuanpei found it difficult to control his feelings towards living things.

What he liked most and feared most was Ah Zhu's delicate and timid appearance.

I really like it; it's the kind of feeling that makes my blood boil instantly.

I was afraid that he would lose control and relentlessly torment Ah Zhu.

“A-Zhu”.

Emperor Xuanpei reached out and ruffled her hair, looked down into her eyes, and said softly, "Now that I am here, as long as you are willing to speak, nothing is a problem."

“But if you continue to be so afraid, I’m afraid I’ll lose my temper with you first.”

Hearing Emperor Xuanpei's words made Azhu's heart tremble, but she... still gritted her teeth and chose to persevere.

Knowing full well that Shou Kang Palace is a "dragon's den and tiger's lair," yet still choosing to step into it, is truly unpleasant.

Even as Ah Zhu was lost in her wild thoughts, she worried that something might happen to her the next day, leaving her in the palace to recover from her injuries, and that if she fell into the hands of Empress Dowager Shu, any further mishap would cost her her life.

"Your Majesty."

Ah Zhu's slightly trembling voice was like a tickle on the heart.

She continued to look at Emperor Xuanpei with that timid and shy gaze.

"I am afraid to go to Shou Kang Palace to pay my respects tomorrow."

Emperor Xuanpei embraced Azhu and fell onto the couch. He kissed Azhu's ear and nibbled on it.

"Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has been bedridden for a long time due to illness. Now that she is in good health, I will go to Shou Kang Palace to pay my respects tomorrow."

Oh, the emperor is going too, then everything is fine.

Once the matter of paying respects tomorrow was settled, A-Zhu's mind immediately drifted to the hunting grounds.

She reached out and wrapped her arms around Emperor Xuanpei's neck, her eyes filled with a mixture of anticipation and fear, and said, "Your Majesty, the day after tomorrow we're going to the hunting grounds. I'd like to ride a horse. What kind of horses are there...? Will I fall off?"

"Won't."

Emperor Xuanpei grasped Azhu's waist and gestured for her to remove the golden token from her waist.

Seeing that A-Zhu was trembling and unable to exert any strength, he stopped there and gently encouraged A-Zhu with a smile, saying, "As long as you can get this token, you can move freely throughout the entire hunting grounds."

"When the time comes, you can go to the horse farm and choose a horse that catches your eye, and I will personally teach you."

With her whole body flushed pink, Ah Zhu's eyes were moist. As she struggled to untie the small gold token with trembling hands, she couldn't help but say, "Your Majesty is so kind."

......

Shou Kang Palace

Empress Dowager Shu watched helplessly as Empress Wang led a group of concubines, following behind Emperor Xuanpei, into the palace to pay their respects.

The emperor had been bewitched and blinded by greed—Empress Dowager Shu, who was absolutely certain of this, no longer wanted to offer any more advice.

The matter has been explained so clearly. Continuing to persuade them now will only create more trouble and delay the two sisters in the household from entering the palace.

Let her wait. If she could reach the position of Empress Dowager back then, what else can't she wait for?

Empress Dowager Shu, who kept comforting herself, calmed down and pretended not to see A-Zhu, this wicked "remnant".

What should have been a tense interrogation turned into a scene of "royal benevolence and filial piety," a scene so picturesque it was almost a painting.

After exchanging pleasantries, Emperor Xuanpei inquired about Empress Dowager Shu's health and whether she could withstand the long journey.

Empress Dowager Shu was still thinking about the twin flowers, so she naturally said that she was in good health and it would be good for her to go to the hunting grounds to relax.

A few days ago, Empress Wang tested Emperor Xuanpei's intentions and heard that he had no intention of letting Consort Zhao leave the palace. Now, she brought up the matter again in public.

Empress Dowager Shu asked knowingly, "Consort Zhao?"

"She was originally Consort Jing of Changli Palace." As soon as Empress Dowager Shu spoke, Empress Wang picked up the conversation again: "Because of her quarrel with Consort Jiang, she angered the Emperor, who stripped her of her title and she is still confined to the palace."

"I see."

Empress Dowager Shu sighed softly.

"They're all old servants in the palace, how could they make such a mistake? But Your Majesty..." Empress Dowager Shu changed the subject, her face full of compassion and reluctance, and said earnestly, "After all, she was a concubine who served you since you were a prince, and she has also given birth to a prince."

"Since you have already stripped her of her title and confined her to reflect on her mistakes for so long... it is really not easy for a prince to meet with his concubines when he leaves the palace. Let her go with him to the hunt tomorrow."

Emperor Xuanpei remained calm, quietly watching Empress Wang and Empress Dowager Shu's coordinated performance.

After Empress Dowager Shu finished speaking, he replied, "This matter was not well thought out by me. Since Your Majesty the Empress Dowager is willing, Consort Zhao will naturally go hunting with you."

Looking at the dignified Empress Wang and then at the kind-looking Empress Dowager Shu, Ah Zhu felt that the two of them didn't seem too surprised that Emperor Xuanpei would come to Shou Kang Palace today.

After safely leaving Shou Kang Palace, Ah Zhu, feeling that her prediction had failed, shook her head.

As long as Empress Dowager Shu and Empress Wang can remain calm, there will be no room for her to stir up trouble.

Right now, A-Zhu doesn't want to go back to Guanju Palace.

Seeing that it was still early, and wanting to take advantage of the emperor's favor to see if anyone would get restless and cause trouble, she wandered around the palace enjoying the scenery.

When passing by Xiuyu Garden, I encountered Consort Xian from a distance.

Thinking of the sixth princess, who was so soft and cute that it made one's heart flutter, A-Zhu suddenly perked up a bit.

She went over to greet him with a smile.

"Greetings, Your Highness. May Your Highness be blessed with good fortune and happiness."

Consort Xian nodded to Azhu with a gentle expression.

"Consort Jiang, there's no need for such formalities."

In this palace, Consort Xian has always been gentle and approachable. In addition, she only has princesses and no princes to get involved in the grudges and disputes of the court. Even though she is not favored by the emperor, no one dares to provoke Consort Xian, who is already a noble consort.

Ah Zhu wasn't a crazy person who bared his teeth at everyone he met.

After exchanging a few polite words, A-Zhu couldn't help but bring up the Sixth Princess.

"The princess also said that she kept a parrot, which just stood there and kept saying 'Good luck, good luck'."

A-Zhu's "three auspicious phrases" that day made Princess Jingyi subconsciously mention the parrot named Jixiang.

"The weather is so nice today, why didn't Her Majesty bring the princess out for a stroll?"

Just what I feared most came to pass.

Consort Xian looked at A-Zhu, who was always trying to manipulate Jingyi through her words, and wished she could make her disappear from her sight immediately.

Jingyi has been coughing a bit lately.

Consort Xian tried her best to control her emotions and replied politely, "Her Majesty the Empress Dowager is now recovering from a serious illness."

"I was afraid that the Empress Dowager might catch her illness... that's why I let Jingyi rest quietly in the palace and didn't let her go out."

Ah Zhu looked like he understood.

Actually, if it weren't for the fear of being too presumptuous, A-Zhu would have liked to visit the Sixth Princess at Ganquan Palace.

Knowing that Consort Xian was in a hurry to return to the palace to take care of the Sixth Princess, Azhu did not dare to disturb her and soon parted ways with Consort Xian.

Consort Xian turned back to watch A-Zhu's departing figure, clutching the embroidered handkerchief tightly in her hand. She felt that A-Zhu was not only good at pretending, but also incredibly ruthless.

Empress Dowager Shu is her aunt; who in the palace doesn't know that?

Did Consort Jiang harbor no resentment at all when she suffered a miscarriage in public at Shou Kang Palace?

Consort Xian asked herself honestly, and she knew she was definitely not that magnanimous.

If she were Consort Jiang, she would surely take her anger out on others, especially the Empress Dowager's relatives.

But today, Consort Jiang was not only not as aggressive as she was in Kunning Palace, but she was even nonchalant, smiling and asking Jingyi... What was she planning to do?!

What exactly is she trying to do?!

Consort Xian, clutching her handkerchief tightly, was extremely flustered.

Consort Xian entered the palace early and served the Empress Dowager in the palace for many years.

She knew all too well that the relationship between the Empress Dowager and the Emperor, the mother and son of the imperial family, was not harmonious. They didn't exactly hate each other, but they didn't really have much to say to each other. They just put on a facade of "motherly love and filial piety" for outsiders.

Otherwise, would Empress Dowager Shu, who always wanted to be respected, fawned over, and act arrogantly in the palace, have gone to Futai Mountain to suffer?

Their emperor came today specifically for Consort Jiang.

Even the slightest disturbance would cause His Majesty's gaze to occasionally fall upon Consort Jiang... It is said that even a tiger would not eat its cubs, but try saying that to the late Emperor.

These are the rules that the palace keeps talking about, but look at how many of the Emperor's rules have actually worked for Consort Jiang.

"Go to Kunning Palace." After thinking for a moment, Consort Xian said, "Jingyi is not feeling well, so I will not be going to the hunt this time."

Guanqi paused for a moment, then said, "Your Majesty, Princess Jingyi still longs to go to the hunting grounds to see her little horse."

"You can see a horse anytime, but how many lives can a person have?"

Consort Xian desperately suppressed her emotions.

"Consort Jiang just lost her unborn child, yet she's testing me as if nothing happened... The hunting grounds are chaotic with so many people. What am I supposed to do if something happens to Jingyi?"

How can spectators guarantee this?

She could only remain silent as Consort Fuxian was taken away, and the group then went to Kunning Palace.

......

The location of the Mulan Hunting Ceremony was the Royal Kowloon Garden.

Within the garden, which was specifically for sightseeing and for the rest of the imperial family and nobility, palaces and pavilions were scattered throughout, along with artificial hills and strange rocks, and clear springs were channeled to form pools.

Leaving the garden, you'll find the Qinde Hall, where emperors have historically held banquets. Continuing outwards along the palace walls on the left and right, you'll reach the forest farm, where plains connect to hills and lush forests. Crossing the surrounding Jade River, you'll find a stable.

The palace always prefers auspicious times for everything, so after the emperor arrives at Kowloon Garden, renovations will begin first.

Once everything was almost ready inside and out, and the auspicious time had arrived, the emperor would summon his officials and their wives, and have them shoot an arrow outside the Qinde Hall to announce the start of the hunt.

As soon as Ah Zhu arrived at Kowloon Garden in a horse-drawn carriage, gazing at the boundless mountains and forests, her heart was already soaring.

She didn't care about admiring the garden at all. After changing her clothes with Qingliu and Lüfu, she grabbed the golden token and headed to the stable.

Emperor Xuanpei never lied to Azhu about what he said.

Upon seeing the golden token, neither the patrolling guards nor the servants in the courtyard dared to utter a word; they simply knelt, bowed, and listened quietly to the instructions.

Holding the golden token, A-Zhu arrived at the stable without any obstacles.

Besides the imperial horses reserved for the emperor, Azhu immediately spotted a tall, chestnut-colored horse, majestic and imposing, its mane gleaming like silk dyed with crimson clouds.

But this horse was clearly difficult to approach; it raised its head and snorted at Azhu as soon as it saw her.

Bafu, who was serving nearby, noticed that Azhu really liked the horse. Upon closer inspection, he saw that she was a young woman, dressed in luxurious clothes and carrying a golden token. Fearing that something might go wrong, he suggested that she change her mind and choose one of the foals instead.

So he bowed and stepped forward, saying, "Young master, this horse has a bad temper and is very difficult to approach. It won't let anyone touch it except when it's being groomed."

In this lifetime, what you truly love is priceless.

Ah Zhu, who had been cooped up in the palace for over a decade, was finally ready to leave.

She kept looking at the horse; giving up without even trying it was really not in A-Zhu's nature.

She reached into her sleeve and took out a silver coin for Bafu.

"Please bring some water, I'll wash it first."

Seeing that Qingliu and Lvfu wanted to persuade her, Azhu shook her head and insisted.

"This is a rare opportunity. If I don't try today, I won't give up. If it really doesn't work out... I'll choose another horse."

After glancing at the golden token in Azhu's hand, Bafu had no choice but to accept the silver coin, express his gratitude, and urge the others to prepare water.

Bafu personally took the bucket of water, stepped forward to stand beside Azhu, and carefully guided her to start watering the horse.

The tall, chestnut-colored horse snorted, shook off the water droplets, and with an air of "I'm the best in the world," it tilted its head and looked at Ah Zhu, but did not refuse the attentive bathing service.

Before half of the horse's body was wet, a group of young men in brocade hats and fine clothes, dressed in narrow-sleeved riding attire, rushed into the stable with a clamor.

"It was agreed that whoever gets in first gets to choose their horse first."

"No underhanded tricks allowed!"

As soon as they entered, they saw Ah Zhu, who was facing away from them, carefully washing the chestnut horse.

"Huh? Someone actually arrived before us?"

"Haha, Zhou Sanlang, your first place doesn't count."

"Ah Ye, look! This young man has his eye on the Dayuan horse you had your eye on before."

......

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Author's Note: Thank you so much for your support, my little darlings! Hahaha, kisses to each and every one of you! [Laughing][Laughing][Laughing]