Chapter 48 [48]

【48】/First release

As night falls, a bright moon hangs high in the sky, shining brightly.

After the palace banquet started and ended, the emperor watched two or three songs and dances, then left the table accompanied by Concubine Zhao on the grounds of being drunk.

Seeing the emperor and his concubine leave, the princes, ministers and their wives at the banquet looked at each other, and at the same time, they all looked at the expressions of Empress Dowager Gu and the imperial concubine.

"Why do I feel that as the years go by, His Majesty has become more devoted to Concubine Zhao?"

"I've noticed too. Ever since the palace banquet began, His Majesty's eyes have never left Concubine Zhao."

"Oh, I wonder what tricks this Concubine Zhao has to be able to bewitch His Majesty to this extent?"

"You don't know this, do you? I heard that Concubine Zhao has been staying in the Yangxin Palace since the first day of the new year, and she never leaves during the day."

"Is this really true? No wonder the imperial concubine looked unhappy today..."

The officials' wives were whispering to each other, and Concubine Gu, who was in a high position, felt like a thorn in her back and was uncomfortable all over.

She knew what had happened in the Yangxin Palace in recent days, especially the soups that her aunt sent her every now and then. Even a fool could guess what was going on.

Logically speaking, it is a good thing for me that His Majesty can now have intimate contact with women like a normal man.

But when I think of the look in his eyes when he looked at Lu Zhiwan, it was clear that he was truly in love.

Fortunately, there was one thing that temporarily reassured her: every time Lu Zhiwan finished his night service, he would take contraceptive soup. As long as there was no royal heir, she still had a chance of success.

Thinking of this, Concubine Gu picked up the wine glass and took a sip, then looked at Empress Dowager Gu calmly, with a hint of resentment in her eyes.

How could an aunt be like this, not helping her own niece but only favoring outsiders?

Well, it's probably impossible to count on this kind-hearted aunt for help. I still have to find a way myself to get rid of Lu Zhiwan, this thorn in my side, once and for all!

*

"Ahhh—"

On top of the tallest tower in the Forbidden City, Lu Zhiwan rubbed his itchy nose.

"Very cold?"

Xiao Jingting raised his hand and pulled her rose-red cloak with a circle of white rabbit fur tightly together, and then ordered Yu Mingjiang: "Add two more charcoal basins."

Lu Zhiwan hurriedly said, "No, no, I'm not cold."

Xiao Jingting looked at her: "Really?"

"Really." Lu Zhiwan nodded: "It's just that my nose is a little itchy. There's enough charcoal in the basin, no need to add more."

"Adding so many charcoal pots, it's like we're having a barbecue sitting in the middle. It really ruins the atmosphere."

"But I didn't expect the palace to have such a great viewpoint. This bastard really knows how to choose a spot."

She looked around. The towers with colorfully painted and carved beams were ablaze with lights. There were lotus lanterns, goldfish lanterns, crab lanterns, revolving lanterns, Chang'e and moon rabbit lanterns, colorful glass lanterns...all kinds of lanterns were hung in rows. The shapes were exquisite and the patterns were vivid, which made people overwhelmed and dazzled.

In addition to these countless colorful lanterns, various folk snacks were placed on the long table in front of him, including candied haws, fried dough sticks, fried sanzi, sesame glutinous rice balls, red bean cakes, Changsheng cakes, exquisite crystal buns... The entire table was filled with them. Without knowing, you would have thought he had moved half of the market here.

From the top of the tower, you can look into the distance and take in the entire scenery of the capital.

Candle oil was expensive, and ordinary people usually retired early at night, rarely lighting lanterns. But today, during the Lantern Festival, custom required that lanterns remain lit until dawn. So, with candles lit in every household, and the tens of thousands of colorful lanterns at the Lantern Festival, the entire capital was ablaze with splendor, a scene reminiscent of a picturesque scene.

"What do you think of the scenery here?"

The man's voice was as mellow as fine wine in the night. Lu Zhiwan turned his head and met his smiling black eyes, and his heart suddenly beat faster.

Logically, they had already done the most intimate things, so there was nothing to be shy about. But for some reason, after sleeping with him, she became more and more embarrassed to look him in the eye.

My heartbeat seemed to be out of control, jumping around wildly.

Suppressing the inexplicable embarrassment in her heart, Lu Zhiwan pretended to be calm and replied, "The place your majesty chose is naturally good. What's more, there are delicious food, fine wine, and dazzling lights. I love it very much."

Looking at her slightly blushing cheeks under the candlelight, Xiao Jingting curled his thin lips slightly: "As long as you like it."

Lu Zhiwan caught a glimpse of his smile and couldn't help but purse her lips.

"Why is he so gentle today? I'm not used to it! Why don't you just scold me, even if it's just sarcastic!"

"Wait, he's like this... could he really be in love with me? Uh..."

Realizing this, Lu Zhiwan felt an indescribable complexity in his heart.

As a concubine in the harem, she naturally wanted the emperor to like her and pamper her. After all, this involved her living conditions and life security.

But as Lu Zhiwan, a modern girl, can she and Xiao Jingting have the kind of equal and respectful love that exists between ordinary men and women?

He is the emperor.

Expecting to fall in love with the emperor? How crazy must she be?

But being clear-headed and rational is one thing, and there's a small, hidden voice in my subconscious that whispers, "Could it be that knowing he likes you, you're really not happy at all, and don't have any expectations at all?"

Joy, anticipation...

"Admit it, you have it," the voice said.

Lu Zhiwan was silent. He had never felt so conflicted before.

Xiao Jingting, who was standing by, saw that she had suddenly become quiet and looked absent-minded, so he couldn't help but hold her hand and asked, "What are you thinking about?"

Lu Zhiwan came back to his senses and smiled awkwardly: "Nothing. I just feel that the current situation is... pretty good."

Xiao Jingting's eyebrows moved slightly: "Hmm?"

Before she could speak, rumbling noises came from the distance.

"Oh, fireworks!"

“It’s so beautiful!”

The palace maids exclaimed in surprise, and the two of them looked in the direction of the sound. They saw colorful fireworks shooting up into the dark sky, blooming with dazzling colorful lights.

Fire trees and silver flowers are in full bloom. Under the bright moon and the colorful sky, the capital city on the Lantern Festival night presents a grand and prosperous scene of peace and prosperity.

Lu Zhiwan was fascinated by what he saw.

When Xiao Jingting raised his hand to hold her, she subconsciously leaned her head on his shoulder, her clear black eyes sparkling with light, and she sighed softly, "If only it could always be like this."

Xiao Jingting glanced sideways: "What's been going on?"

Lu Zhiwan still looked at the fireworks in the sky, and said with a longing tone: "Your Majesty and I are safe and happy, and the people can live and work in peace, with good weather and good harvests, and peace in the world."

Xiao Jingting didn't say anything, just listened quietly.

As expected, a moment later, another voice drifted to my mind: "He's actually so smart, he could definitely work hard to establish a peaceful and prosperous society. If that were the case, I wouldn't have to worry about being burned to death in a few years."

"Of course, if he could only love me and not favor other concubines, I would also be able to love him and live with him like this for the rest of my life."

The night wind was blowing gently, the moonlight was hazy, and the palace maids on both sides were tactful enough to leave early, leaving the space for the emperor and his concubine who were snuggling on the top of the Que Tower to watch the fireworks.

By the time the grand Lantern Festival fireworks display ended, it was getting darker.

"Lu Zhiwan."

Xiao Jingting called out softly, but no one answered.

He lowered his eyes and saw that her head was leaning on his shoulder, her pretty face was slightly drunk, her black eyes were lightly closed, and she had fallen asleep quietly.

Can you sleep like this?

A hint of helplessness flashed across the man's handsome face, but when he looked at her sleeping soundly, his eyes softened a bit.

After looking at it quietly for a long while, he raised a long finger.

Afraid of waking her up, he only touched her forehead lightly.

Just then, a gust of evening wind blew by, and several lanterns flickered. He murmured in a low voice, "I will do as you wish."

***

After the Lantern Festival, the Spring Festival also means the end.

All things are revived and everything is waiting to be rebuilt. Whether it is the private market or the imperial court, everything has returned to its previous order.

At the first morning court session after the New Year, Xiao Jingting issued an order to reduce the power of the feudal lords.

The entire decree consisted of ten articles, each with detailed implementation notes, totaling nearly three thousand words. Yu Mingjiang, who was in charge of reading it out, finished reading it all, his shrill voice becoming a little hoarse.

Finally, he closed the yellow book and looked at the officials in the hall. Some were shocked, some were in disbelief, some were looking down in thought, and some had frowns on their brows...

Everyone has different expressions and thoughts, but there is a tacit silence.

No one dared to speak.

First, the order to reduce the power of the feudal lords was issued suddenly. The matter was of great importance and involved a wide range of people. If one spoke carelessly, one could lose his life at any time.

Secondly, the decree is so insightful, sharp, bold, detailed and complete that it makes people look up to it, shocked and awed.

The important cabinet ministers looked at each other, secretly wondering which hidden colleague had presented this order to His Majesty.

You guess me and I guess you, each one more confused than the other, but in the end, we all turned our eyes to Prime Minister Gu.

Gu Shoufu, who was standing in the front row: “…”

Don't look at him, he doesn't know.

The Golden Palace remained silent for who knows how long. The emperor, wearing a golden crown and red robes, sitting on the dragon throne, spoke solemnly: "Throughout history, opening the channels for communication and humbly accepting advice has been the way for wise rulers and wise ministers to create a prosperous era. What are your thoughts on this? Feel free to speak freely. Don't be shy."

Despite saying so, the hall remained peaceful and no one dared to be the first to speak out.

Finally, the emperor called the name, his dark eyes fixed on the first-rank official, Gu Shoufu, who was wearing the purple robe of the crane. "Mr. Gu, what do you think of my order to reduce the power of the feudal lords?"

Prime Minister Gu's slightly cloudy eyes moved slightly, and he glanced at the expressionless Prince of Liaodong on the opposite side, and his beard twitched twice.

Looking at the energetic young emperor at the top, I sighed in my heart that this tiger cub who grew up in a group of tigers and lay dormant for many years finally showed its claws.

Taking a deep breath, he raised his tablet, stepped forward, and expressed his views on each of the ten decrees. Finally, he added, "In my humble opinion, if every clause of this decree is strictly followed, the policy of reducing the power of the feudal lords will be entirely feasible."

The Prime Minister expressed his approval, and the other officials immediately agreed.

The emperor sat upright, his face expressionless behind his crown, except for the occasional tapping of his long fingers on the armrest, indicating that he was still listening.

When the court meeting was over, the emperor stood up from the dragon throne and summoned the Prince of Liaodong to the Yangxin Palace to discuss state affairs.

Civil and military officials withdrew from the hall in twos and threes, and the cabinet officials surrounded Prime Minister Gu, talking about him in amazement.

"Your Majesty actually wrote these ten theories on reducing the power of the feudal lords?"

"Yes, this is incredible. Your Majesty can..."

The cabinet ministers wanted to say that the emperor had been a bohemian, eccentric and hands-off boss since he ascended the throne.

Whether it was the early years when the Empress Dowager was ruling the country from behind the scenes, or when the sixteen-year-old Emperor took power, the government decrees of the past ten years were basically formulated by the Cabinet, and the Empress Dowager and the Emperor only had to approve and stamp them.

No one would have thought that the emperor, who was ignorant and only knew how to associate with wild beasts, had such outstanding talents.

What is even more unbelievable is what he said today about wise rulers and virtuous ministers... Could it be that after the New Year, His Majesty suddenly had an epiphany?

Prime Minister Gu remained solemn and said nothing.

Only after he got on the sedan chair did he look meaningfully in the direction of Lifeng Palace.

No wonder my daughter regards Lu as a big enemy. Now it seems that Lu does have some tricks up his sleeve.

***

In the Lifeng Palace, Lu Zhiwan and Xiao Ningning were sitting and drinking tea, unaware of the changes in the previous dynasty.

Hearing that Xiao Ningning would be leaving the capital soon, Lu Zhiwan frowned slightly: "Are you going back to Yuzhang so soon? The weather hasn't warmed up yet, and the snow on the road hasn't melted yet. Why don't you stay in the capital for a while and come back when spring comes and the flowers bloom?"

Xiao Ningning was worried about Zhao Wenshao's whereabouts. While others gained three pounds during the holidays, she lost a lot of weight. Her already delicate little face became even smaller, making her look even more charming.

Facing Lu Zhiwan's pleas to stay, she forced a faint smile. "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. My mother and I returned to Beijing to visit my grandmother. It's been a while since she passed away, and the New Year has already passed. My mother is really worried about home, and my father wrote to ask us to return home as soon as possible for a reunion. Besides, the journey from Beijing to Yuzhang takes quite a while, and my mother really doesn't want to delay any longer."

Lu Zhiwan also knew that Xiao Ningning would have to return to Yuzhang sooner or later, but when he thought of the original plot, his heart was still in turmoil and he felt uneasy.

After trying to persuade her again and again, seeing that Xiao Ningning was determined to leave, Lu Zhiwan had to give up.

To reassure herself, she dismissed the palace maids and asked about Xiao Ningning's relationship: "Is the princess still unable to let go of Zhao Wenshao?"

When Zhao Wenshao was mentioned, Xiao Ningning's expression became melancholy. She lowered her eyelashes and looked at the tea leaves floating in the cup. She pondered for a long time before she hummed softly.

When Lu Zhiwan heard the word "hmm", his eyes turned black.

She closed her eyes and suppressed her rising blood pressure. She looked at Xiao Ningning incomprehensibly: "Even though he has another woman and is a fugitive wanted nationwide, you still miss him?"

Xiao Ningning bit her lip lightly, tears welling in her eyes: "I understand what the Queen said. But the word love is the most difficult to understand..."

She put her hand on her heart and said, "I know I shouldn't think about him anymore, but I can't control my heart..."

Lu Zhiwan: “…”

Is this what love brain means?

To prevent himself from fainting from her anger, Lu Zhiwan raised his hand to stop her from speaking, and with a stern expression, he gave her a final warning: "Princess, a man like Zhao Wenshao, who can hide Gui Ruoxi from you, will definitely have a second and a third in the future... If he hurts you once, he will definitely hurt you a second and a third time... Are you really sure you want to put your precious feelings on a man like that?"

Xiao Ningning's bright red lips moved twice, with a hint of confusion in her eyes: "I...I..."

She doesn't know.

Reason told her that she should forget everything about Zhao Wenshao and return to Yuzhang. Her father and mother would arrange a good marriage for her.

But as soon as she tried to let go, every moment she spent with Zhao Wenshao would come to her mind with incredible clarity, as if telling her, look, how much you like him.

Good words cannot persuade a dying ghost.

Seeing Xiao Ningning's dazed state, Lu Zhiwan felt deeply powerless.

Forget it, everyone has his own life. I am just a clay Buddha crossing the river, why do I still want to pull others?

That night.

Lu Zhiwan was lying on the bed, wondering where Zhao Wenshao had been hiding and why he had disappeared without a trace in the past two months.

"Aren't the Jinyiwei very powerful? Can they really do it?" - Of course, it is not ruled out that Zhao Wenshao's aura as the male protagonist is too strong, and he has an invisibility and hiding buff.

While I was daydreaming, a big hand reached out from the darkness.

"Why aren't you asleep yet?"

"Where are you touching with your paws, you bastard!"

Lu Zhiwan's body stiffened, and she said dryly, "Your Majesty...Your Majesty can't sleep."

"Why can't you sleep?"

The hand on her chest not only did not move away, but instead reached out from under her clothes, as if he usually played with her hand. He calmly played with the delicate and tender skin.

Lu Zhiwan felt terrible, her mind was in a mess because of his provocation: "Your Highness...I will sleep now."

Finally unable to hold back, she pressed down the restless hand, her cheeks burning in the night: "Your Majesty, please don't do this."

The hands were pressed, the palms were clasped together, and a constant flow of heat was transmitted between each other's skin.

The air was filled with a thicker scent of ambiguity. The man's tall figure moved closer, and with his other hand he scooped her up into his arms. His voice was hoarse, "Is your period ready?"

The implication in this statement couldn't be more obvious.

Thinking of the consequences of saying "yes", Lu Zhiwan instinctively put her legs together and swallowed her saliva. She said angrily, "Not yet... not fully healed yet."

The fiery palm squeezed her lightly, his chin resting against her forehead, his hot breath caressing her: "Really?"

Lu Zhiwan pretended to be coquettish and pushed his chest: "Why did your concubine lie to your majesty?"

Xiao Jingting didn't say anything. After a while, he pulled his hand back and asked in a low voice, "Are you feeling uncomfortable?"

Lu Zhiwan: “Ah?”

Xiao Jingting: "Are you uncomfortable with the Zhougong ritual?"

Lu Zhiwan: “…”

"It's really strange that you're asking this so seriously at this time of night!"

After taking a breath, Lu Zhiwan replied with shame and numbness: "Comfortable..."

"Then why do you cry when I get close to you?"

Lu Zhiwan: “…”

"God, please send down a thunderbolt to kill me, or poison him and make him mute."

Taking another deep breath, she said something random: "I cried out of exhaustion."

"Why are you tired? I'm the one doing all the moving."

As if to prove her laziness, he pinched her slender waist and said, "You've been sitting for a while and you're already complaining about being tired and lazy. I've counted, and it's no more than fifty times."

Lu Zhiwan: ???

"This bastard is poisonous, why would he bother with this!"

Before Xiao Jingting could speak again, Lu Zhiwan covered his mouth with his hand and said, "Your Majesty, it's getting late. Let's get some rest. You have an early court tomorrow morning."

Xiao Jingting's eyes flickered slightly, and he moved the hand that was pressing on her mouth away: "Are you really going to sleep?"

Lu Zhiwan nodded quickly and pretended to yawn: "I'm really sleepy."

Seeing her like this, Xiao Jingting stopped teasing her and pulled her into his arms: "Well, go to sleep."

Perhaps because of his interruption, Lu Zhiwan no longer thought about Zhao Wenshao and Xiao Ningning. She soon felt sleepy and fell asleep in the man's arms.

The sound of gentle breathing soon rang out between the quiet bed curtains. Xiao Jingting rubbed the forehead of the person in his arms and narrowed his black eyes slightly.

So does she like it or not?