Chapter 17 The pleasure boat only prays for the lady's health and well-being.
During the reign of the late emperor, dragon boat races were held every year on the Dragon Boat Festival in the royal gardens, with participants mostly being members of the imperial family and scions of prominent families.
After Emperor Qianyuan ascended the throne, this activity had been stagnant within the palace, but it was in full swing outside the palace. Many noble families would call on their brothers, friends, and colleagues to compete, and the winner would receive a "Dragon Boat Festival" flag and a silver bowl.
Not for money, but for glory.
On the riverbank where dragon boat races are taking place.
"Brother! What are you looking at? The dragon boat race is about to start!" Meng Jingqiu raised her hand and nudged the young man in red beside her.
Meng Hanzhou, the heir of the Duke of Wei's mansion, snapped out of his reverie. His ears, hidden beneath his hair, turned slightly red, and he hurriedly said, "I understand."
Just as he was about to board the dragon boat on the river, he heard his sister's friend, who had been invited, waving excitedly across the river and saying that it was her cousin.
Xie Mengjun's cousin? Then she must already be married...
No, he remembered hearing that her husband had already passed away!
It's good that he's dead!
Meng Hanzhou paused slightly, his lips twitching upwards involuntarily, and he tilted his head back to look at the opposite bank of the river.
The beautiful woman, her figure plump and slender, was lifted by the wind as she adjusted her veil and waved her hand gently, as if greeting Xie Mengjun. Even with the veil covering her, Meng Hanzhou could imagine the curve of the woman's lips.
Extremely intoxicating.
He raised his hand to rub his face, feeling his cheeks burning hot. He was suddenly glad that his skin was dark and the sky was dark, otherwise his cousins behind him would definitely laugh at him if they saw him.
Amidst the drumbeats, Meng Hanzhou raised his hand to tie the deep red headband, and stood on the dragon boat at the call of those around him, inexplicably filled with high spirits.
Before long, the river surface was shattered into thousands of golden scales by the light and shadow of dusk. Several dragon boats suddenly rushed forward, and the water waves that broke through them splashed like milky jade, transforming into a sense of triumph amidst the gasps and heartbeats of the crowd.
The crowd stirred, cheers erupting everywhere.
Wen Miao and Li Qing stood by the lake, also infected by the excitement in front of them, their faces beaming with smiles. But out of the corner of her eye, she saw lights flickering on the other side, which made her turn her head to look.
Far from the start of the dragon boat race, on the other side of the river, floated a painted boat, brightly lit yet unusually quiet, as if it had nothing to do with the noise on both banks. Because of the distance, Wen Miao could only vaguely see several guards on the deck, but behind the railing at the bow stood a tall man in black clothes whose face could not be seen.
She paused slightly, her fingertips curling up slightly, as if she could feel a burning gaze relentlessly fixed on her even through the distant night.
The shouts from the shore suddenly grew louder, and Wen Miao turned her head.
The red dragon boat won first, but crashed into the red ribbon that stretched across the river.
Li Qing laughed and said, "It was the heir of the Duke of Wei's mansion who won."
Wen Miao smiled as well, "Meng Jun accompanied the eldest daughter of the Duke's mansion to watch the dragon boat race today. She must be overjoyed."
The victors in the distance held up flags and silver bowls as they received congratulations from the crowd. The most prominent of them all, Meng Hanzhou, the heir of the Duke of Wei, stood on the high platform. His gaze swept across the crowd and precisely found that serene figure.
In this prosperous era of open-mindedness, he turned his head and said something to his cousins. Amidst a burst of youthful and hearty laughter, the silver bowl was quickly handed to Meng Hanzhou. He strode through the noisy crowd and went against the flow of people.
Wen Miao and Li Qing were unaware of what was happening behind them. Seeing that the dragon boat race had ended, the two planned to cross the bridge instead of getting involved in the excitement of the younger generation. However, before they had taken two steps, they were stopped by a servant who invited them to take a ride on a painted boat.
Li Qing frowned, his gaze sweeping over the male servant's face and throat, his expression changing slightly.
Wen Miao looked at Li Qing and asked in a low voice, "Why don't you go back first?"
"I can't leave you alone." Li Qing shook his head. "Miao Niang, I'll go with you."
Upon seeing this, the servant immediately added eagerly, "Madam, rest assured, this pleasure boat is prepared for you and your friends. Since the master is not on board, you two can simply enjoy the evening's river cruise."
Not on the ship?
Wen Miao thought of the figure she had vaguely glimpsed earlier.
Did they return to the palace early? Or...?
The woman, gently adjusting her veil, lowered her brow slightly and unconsciously touched a small object hidden deep in her sleeve.
The brightly lit painted boats are moored on the shore, their exquisite decorations accompanied by melodious music.
Wen Miao and Li Qing went up one after the other, with Shi Cui and Wan Bi following beside them.
The maids who had been waiting inside the boat spoke softly, setting up screens, placing small tables, and serving fruits and snacks. Then, musicians and dancers came in turn, their melodious voices slowly drowned out by the gurgling water.
Under the bridge, Meng Hanzhou, who was protecting the silver bowl and squeezing through the crowd, slowed down and looked around blankly. There were pedestrians shoulder to shoulder all around, but he could not see the beautiful woman who had caught his eye earlier.
"Have they already left...?"
He felt empty inside, like a puppy abandoned by its owner. He sighed helplessly amidst the noisy crowd, planning to ask his sister about the lady when he got back.
Meanwhile, inside the pleasure boat, Li Qing raised her hand to cover her mouth and whispered to Wen Miao what exactly was going on.
Wen Miao pondered for a moment, then shook her head and said softly, "I'm sorry, Qingniang, I can't talk about this right now."
Since it concerned the emperor, Wen Miao dared not easily tell others, only vaguely saying, "But don't worry, there will be no danger. I will tell you the truth after everything settles down."
It's just unknown what her relationship with the emperor was like back then.
Li Qing raised his hand and subtly pointed eastward.
The servants of the past had inconspicuous Adam's apples, high-pitched voices, and impeccable manners. Such people usually came from only one place: the palace.
Wen Miao nodded slightly, her eyes gentle, and placed her finger in front of her lips.
After her initial surprise, Li Qing calmed down and said, "As long as you haven't been wronged, that's fine."
Wen Miao: "Of course not."
The two exchanged a smile, their worries dissipating, and they rediscovered the leisurely desire to ride a painted boat, cruise the river, and enjoy the scenery.
Wen Miao would occasionally glance around during that time.
The pleasure boat continued westward, passing the most bustling streets in the capital. At the end of the western street was the residence of Li Qing and her widowed mother. She disembarked and, looking at Wen Miao, asked again, "Is everything alright?"
Wen Miao shook her head and said with a faint smile, "No."
As the figures gradually receded into the distance, the painted boat turned eastward. Wen Miao pulled up the shawl on her arm, trying to block the evening breeze on the river.
The wind suddenly stopped, and footsteps sounded.
She turned around and found that the "master" the servants had mentioned who wasn't on the ship had suddenly appeared, standing not far behind her. He was dressed in black, with a cold and stern expression, but his expression softened instantly when he saw Wen Miao.
Emperor Qian Yuan smiled, gazing at the woman with radiant, snow-white skin before him. His narrow eyes narrowed slightly as he asked bluntly, "Were you looking for me earlier on the pleasure boat, Madam?"
Looking at the smile on the emperor's lips, Wen Miao couldn't admit it. A faint redness crept into the corners of her eyes, and she shook her head. "I'm just looking around."
The emperor was well aware of certain questions, but he did not press further. Instead, he asked earnestly, "After your period, has your lower back and abdomen continued to ache? Is there still enough Yunchang cotton paper? Are there any other discomforts or ailments in your body?"
Wen Miao suddenly looked up, her eyes filled with surprise, shame, and a complex mix of emotions.
The emperor said, "Please do not hide this from me, my lady. I only wish for your well-being."
Most people consider a woman's menstruation to be an omen of bad luck, so women hide it and men stay away from it out of disgust. But Emperor Qian Yuan scoffed at this. He loved his wife dearly and thought she was good in everything. If Wen Miao hadn't refused so vehemently at first, he would have wanted to do everything himself and take care of everything related to his wife.
Every aspect, big or small.
Emperor Qianyuan even instructed Xu Sheng to place relevant books in his bedchamber so that he could peruse them and learn everything about his wife.
Seeing that the emperor's expression was not joking, Wen Miao's eyelashes trembled, and she responded softly to each question, but she was still a little shy and unconsciously revealed a pitiful appearance.
Emperor Qianyuan pressed his tongue against the roots of his teeth, memorizing each detail in his mind, and then asked, "There's still a long way to go back. Why don't you come inside with me to rest for a while, my lady?"
Wen Miao: "Okay."
Although Wen Miao and Li Qing had been invited by their servants, they were hesitant and did not enter the interior of the pleasure boat, but instead listened to music and enjoyed the scenery on the deck.
Now, as she followed the emperor inside, she discovered a completely different world. The interior was exquisitely decorated, like a palace or pavilion. They sat by the window and floated on the water, heading east towards the street where the Xie residence was located.
The air inside the boat was filled with the gentle fragrance of incense, which had a calming effect.
Wen Miao leaned against the couch, sipping hot tea. She was tired from walking around all day. Her eyes were drowsy and she kept her eyes open because of the emperor sitting opposite her. She dared not relax.
Emperor Qianyuan immediately understood the woman's thoughts. His heart softened, and he suddenly stood up. In the face of Wen Miao's wide-open eyes, he said, "Madam, please sit down. I still have a few memorials to approve."
He pointed to the table half-hidden behind the flower and bird screen.
Xu Sheng, who was serving at the door, was also quick-witted. He immediately pretended to carry a few books and deliberately walked past the Empress's line of sight, adding to His Majesty's "excuse".
The table was some distance from the couch. Wen Miao saw the emperor sit down, lower his head and pick up the memorials one by one to look through them. His expression was serious and his face was cold and solemn. Xu Sheng stood to the side, bending over and silently grinding ink.
Wen Miao felt relieved and turned her gaze to the river outside the window.
With the distance between them, the noise on both sides of the river was not noticeable. Soon, weariness overwhelmed her, and before long she was drowsy, her slender white fingers resting on her chin, already taking a nap.
The emperor, who was writing behind the screen, paused. Xu Sheng put down the ink stick and carefully withdrew.
The temperature inside the pleasure boat was slightly higher, and the beautiful woman by the window had a light sheen of sweat on her face, which was as radiant as the morning glow.
With such beauty, it's no wonder the young master of the Duke of Wei's mansion is so enamored with her.
Emperor Qianyuan crumpled the Xuan paper in his palm, his eyes deep and thoughtful. After gazing at it for a long time, he rose and approached, gently removing the jade hairpin and pomegranate flower from his wife's hair.
Her dark hair fell loosely, winding across her silken robe.
The tall figure bowed and leaned forward, exuding a warm fragrance, before resting his head on his raven-black hair and taking a deep sniff.
Obsessed and entangled.
...
The painted boat had docked at some point. Wen Miao suddenly woke up. The emperor was not in the room, only Shi Cui and Wan Bi were waiting beside her, hesitant to speak.
Wen Miao paused, her voice still hoarse from being awake, "...Where is His Majesty?"
Shi Cui said, "His Majesty has other important matters to attend to and has returned to the palace first. He told us to wait for the lady to wake up before serving her."
Wen Miao sat up and realized that her hair bun was a little heavy. The single quilt that had been covering her shoulders had slipped off, making a tinkling sound as she moved.
She looked bewildered, and Shi Cui and Wan Bi couldn't help but laugh as they picked up a bronze mirror from the table.
Wen Miao looked over—
In the mirror, the woman's hair was loose and adorned with gold-threaded hairpins, tiger hairpins, and colorful silk threads. Her wrists were covered with longevity threads wrapped in gold and adorned with bells, and a sachet with five poisonous creatures hung from her waist. Even her ankles, hidden under her skirt, were decorated with colorful silk threads in a flamboyant manner, leaving no stone unturned.
If Dragon Boat Festival ornaments can truly bring peace and good fortune, then Wen Miao would probably drown out all her affection for them.
A note from the author:
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Emperor: What's this? It has a good meaning, give it to the lady to wear! What's this? It brings blessings, give it to the lady to adorn herself! What's this? It has good omens, give it to the lady to hang! (Busy with preparations)
Wen Miao: ...You deserve to have a Great Chu brand Christmas tree!
Can I get lots of comments today? [Poor thing][Kiss]
Ancient pleasure boats were divided into two types: ① exquisitely decorated pleasure boats ② structures that resembled boats but were actually fixed to the riverbank.
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