Chapter 36 Afterwards: "I'll back you up."
Huiling Mountain, inside Lingyun Temple—
As dawn broke, the clouds were shrouded in a hazy light, and the majestic morning bell rang 108 times, piercing through the thin mist, accompanied by the chanting of sutras and prayers by the monks.
That was a blessing for the monarch, for the new queen of Great Chu, for all living beings, and for nature.
The forest was quiet. A tall monk stood there silently, with a monastic scar on his head and wearing a moon-white robe. He looked to be around thirty years old, with a handsome face and a peaceful expression. His eyes seemed to hold a hint of compassion for humanity.
This person is none other than Prince Yu, who became a monk in his early years, namely Ji Sheng, the eighth son of the late emperor, and now Huineng, a disciple of Lingyun Temple.
A moment later, another person hurried over, clasped his hands in a fist and bowed to Ji Sheng, whispering "Master".
Ji Sheng murmured "Amitabha" with a kind expression. He lowered his eyes, gazing at the mountains and forests that were not yet bathed in the sunlight, and asked slowly, "How is the situation?"
The man knelt down, saying, "I am incompetent and it is truly difficult for me to place people in the palace."
"It's not that he's incompetent."
Ji Sheng said slowly and deliberately, "Our Emperor of Great Chu is meticulous and ruthless. He has protected the vast palace so well that it is watertight. I just don't know if it's for his own sake or for the sake of this new empress..."
After saying this, Ji Sheng smiled and asked his subordinates behind him, "I heard that the new empress is a widow of unparalleled beauty?"
“I’ve seen him from afar, and he is indeed outstanding.”
"Incredible. I find it hard to imagine that Ji Huan could be unable to resist the charms of a beautiful woman."
As dawn broke, Ji Sheng asked again, "Have you found out the widow's identity? Is she really just Xie Jingxuan's granddaughter?"
His identity seemed impeccable, yet he always felt something was amiss—
Back when they were still in Jinling, the widow obviously couldn't have met Ji Huan, so it was impossible for them to continue their relationship. After the Xie family moved to the capital, only a few months later, would a mature and shrewd emperor easily fall for a widow he had only met a few times? Would he go to such lengths just to bring her into the palace as empress?
Is this a sign from Heaven, or a tale of phoenixes and dragons? Or perhaps it's the Dowager Consort drawing lots, or her attending to the ailing concubine in the palace?
Prince Yu, Ji Sheng, didn't believe a single one of them.
When Emperor Qian Yuan, Ji Huan, was made crown prince by the late emperor as a shield for his youngest son, the late emperor, seeing that he could not control this son, secretly issued an order to the current director of the Imperial Observatory, attempting to subdue Ji Huan by claiming "divine will".
So, the supervisor observed the stars at night, and the next day when he went to court, he said that Ji Huan was a harbinger of disaster and should be killed. But before the supervisor could finish speaking, Ji Huan kicked him three zhang away, and he was covered in blood from his mouth and nose and immediately fainted.
As for the "jinx" himself, he calmly dusted off his robes, returned to his original position, and said under the terrified gaze of the late emperor, "Father, if there is nothing else, let's adjourn the court."
How could such a person possibly follow the will of Heaven? It can only be that he wants to do it himself.
The subordinate said, "I sent someone to Jinling. People who know Xie Jingxuan there say that he has a granddaughter named Wen Miao. She married her husband Cui Xu when she traveled with her parents in her early years. After Cui Xu passed away, Xie Jingxuan was promoted and took Wen Miao and Xie Mengjun north to the capital. All the descriptions match up. Even Xie Jingxuan's former neighbors can describe what the new empress looked like when she was young."
As he spoke, he handed over a painting, saying, "This is a description from the neighbors, painted by a painter from Nanjing."
Ji Sheng took it, unfolded it, and glanced at it.
He had never seen the new empress's face, and couldn't discern anything from the slightly ink-wash-like painting. He casually tossed it to his subordinate and said in a low voice, "Never mind, there's no need to rush. Let's wait a little longer. Soon... I'll be able to see this imperial sister-in-law."
At the end of October, according to the old calendar, the royal family would worship Buddha and eat vegetarian food at Lingyun Temple, and he would never miss an opportunity at that time.
What kind of widow could be so captivating to his cold-hearted and ruthless elder brother?
...
Wen Miao had no idea what Prince Yu, Ji Sheng, was thinking or what he wanted to do, and she was too lazy to find out.
Right now, she woke up in the slightly chilly bed of late autumn, her black hair loose, curled up in Emperor Qian Yuan's warm and undisturbed arms, and even her eyes were still a little dazed when she opened them.
The sky outside the Taiji Palace window was not yet fully bright, shrouded in a misty, deep blue. The room was dimly lit, and a thick layer of wax had piled up on the candlestick outside the bed curtains, the candlelight flickering weakly until dawn.
Wen Miao blinked slowly, her senses gradually returning.
She still felt that terrifying swelling in her abdomen, which made her feel uneasy. Just thinking about it now made her feel hot and her whole body tremble, as if she couldn't withstand the aftereffects.
...That feeling could really make you feel like you're about to die.
Especially since the beast pressing against her was a greedy and insatiable beast, fierce and savage, as if it wanted to devour her whole. Its presence was terrifying. In the latter half of the encounter, Wen Miao was completely unconscious, like a floating duckweed, as if she were entirely under the control of Emperor Qian Yuan.
Wen Miao truly couldn't understand. Both of them had been busy all day during their wedding, yet she felt exhausted and weak, while Emperor Qian Yuan seemed to have drunk some kind of super tonic, so excited and unable to stop...
It's as if they've never eaten meat before.
Wen Miao pursed her lips and carefully looked up from Emperor Qian Yuan's arms.
The light inside the bed curtains was dim and limited, but it was enough for Wenmiao to see the emperor's sharply defined jawline.
This is a striking face, imbued with the charm of time. When the eyes are closed, it exudes a noble and aloof air, but when the eyes are open, it is full of majesty, and possesses a cold arrogance befitting an emperor.
But when Wen Miao's figure is reflected in those eyes, it transforms into another kind of intense, burning excitement.
Wen Miao pursed her lips. The aftereffects of the physiological residue from last night had left her face and earlobes stained red, and even her neck and collarbone were not spared.
Especially now, with the emperor's burning skin pressed against her, Wen Miao felt a strange chill run down her spine. She gently braced herself, trying to get out of his embrace.
Before he could even move slightly, a strong hand grabbed his waist and pressed him down.
In that instant, Wen Miao's strength gave way, and she collapsed, only to be embraced again by the emperor, who had been awake for an unknown period of time.
"It's still early."
Emperor Qianyuan held Wen Miao tightly, unwilling to let go. His large hands moved slightly downwards, covering her lower abdomen and gently massaging it.
He asked, "How was the Empress yesterday?"
The emperor lowered his eyes, his voice hoarse, carrying the languor and pleasure of the previous night's satiation. His hand was also incredibly warm, and almost the instant it touched her, it eased the slight spasm in Wen Miao's abdomen that had not yet subsided.
Wen Miao felt an itch in her ear canal, turned her head away, and mumbled a response.
Emperor Qianyuan persisted, "Have you been kind to the Empress?"
He knew this wasn't Wen Miao's first time. Although he was jealous, he was very careful in everything he did. However, the Empress had been pregnant for a long time, and his previous attempts to please her had only relied on his words. Emperor Qian Yuan himself only had theoretical experience in this matter. He could restrain himself at the beginning yesterday, but later...
The empress was stunningly beautiful, but he lacked stamina.
It's all his fault. He should practice more in the future. He should do his best to make the Empress comfortable.
Wen Miao didn't want to answer such a shameful question, so she turned her head away, but was kissed on the tip of her ear, while her other hand gently caressed and comforted her under the covers.
Her previously calm breathing suddenly became erratic, her eyes reddened, and her cheeks burned, like a fully ripe fruit with thin skin and thick flesh, ready to burst forth with sweet and abundant juice at the slightest touch.
Emperor Qianyuan was fortunate enough to swallow this fruit.
Annoyed by the disturbance, Wen Miao angrily bit the emperor's throat, "It's...it's alright."
Emperor Qianyuan pondered for a moment, "Then there is still room for improvement."
As soon as he finished speaking, Wen Miao blushed even more, while Emperor Qian Yuan felt a sinking feeling in his heart—the Empress said "it's alright," could it be that in another world, that damned "deceased husband" was even better at pleasing the Empress than he was? So good that even though the Empress had lost her memory, he could still leave a taste on her body?
Emperor Qian Yuan wanted to ask, but felt that this question would make him seem petty, and besides, he was unwilling to mention those people who might cause Wen Miao to regain her memories.
On the second day of their wedding, the emperor, swallowing a mouthful of long-standing jealousy, had a dark look in his eyes. He kissed Wen Miao's earlobe and couldn't help but bite it with the tip of his teeth.
He used very light force; he was reluctant to use too much, and he was also afraid of upsetting the Empress.
The passion that had been lurking deep within her body since the previous night had not dissipated by morning, but was instead stirred up again by Emperor Qian Yuan's little actions.
Wen Miao pursed her lips and let out a soft hum. Her legs were trembling with weakness. That feeling of being stuck in the middle was extremely uncomfortable, but her body was indeed much weaker than Emperor Qian Yuan's, and she could not bear it any longer.
Having memorized the Empress's body's reactions in just one night, the Emperor propped himself up on his arms, revealing a robust, deep honey-colored chest that was both ample and generous to Wen Miao.
Wen Miao couldn't help but shrink back, her spring-like eyes hiding wariness, "W-what are you going to do..."
"It's still early."
Emperor Qian Yuan, who was propped up above, turned his head and glanced at the still gloomy sky outside the window. He reached out and pulled the bed curtains, which were partially exposed, back up, and slowly bent down.
Under the cover of the dragon and phoenix quilt, the emperor, his eyes filled with lingering affection, kissed the trembling moon. He only wanted to make Wen Miao sleep, so that the empress would be comfortable and could take a short nap until dawn.
This time, Emperor Qian Yuan kept his word and only kissed her.
...
The deep blue of the sky gradually faded, the moonlight dimmed, and the sun rose, bathing the imperial city in a golden glow. The glazed tiles shone brightly, and everywhere was imbued with the joyous atmosphere of the emperor and empress's wedding.
When Wen Miao got up, it was just past 9 a.m. According to palace custom, the Empress should pay her respects to the Dowager Consort.
But Consort Anrong absolutely dared not accept this title.
Although she was the emperor's stepmother in name, she was actually just a lucky one who recognized the situation and surrendered early during the palace coup. Her life was spared, and the honor of being a concubine was given to her casually by the emperor because he didn't care. Therefore, as a stepmother, she only planned to live an honest life and cooperate with the emperor's will. She would never put on airs and make things difficult for the person the emperor cherished.
Therefore, Consort Rong of Shou Kang Palace sent a message to Taiji Palace early on, saying that Consort Rong knew that the Emperor and Empress were newly married and spending time together, so she exempted the usual morning greetings and only told the Empress to rest well. If she was bored in the future, she could come and talk to this old lady.
The messenger was Granny Song, who stood cautiously before the emperor, clearly sensing the tension he was hiding.
Emperor Qianyuan did not speak. He simply stood behind Wen Miao and once again took over the tasks of picking up Cui and wiping Bi. Holding a cow horn comb, he meticulously combed the Empress's raven-black hair, stroke by stroke.
Since the Empress had stayed at Taiji Palace the previous night, she naturally did her makeup and dressing there the next day as well.
Remembering the advice and kindness the other party had given her before she entered the palace, Wen Miao took the initiative to respond, thanked Consort Rong, and inquired about the consort's recent health.
After Song Mama left, Emperor Qianyuan finished combing the last hair and looked at Wen Miao through the clear mirror. He slowly praised, "Madam has the majesty of the Empress."
Wen Miao was stunned for a moment, then blushed.
Previously, due to his status, Emperor Qianyuan had only addressed her as "Madam"; after the grand wedding yesterday, the excited emperor uttered all sorts of titles in the evening, sometimes "Madam," sometimes "Miaomiao," and after a while, he became "Empress," or even called out, "Please, Your Majesty, have pity on me..."
Wen Miao felt that she was the one who needed to be pitied!
Because the emperor was to receive the homage of the noblewomen today, the opportunity for Wen Miao to style her hair was taken away from her by the emperor and replaced by Shi Cui.
The occasion was relatively solemn for the newly appointed empress and the ladies-in-waiting to pay their respects, so their attire should be elegant. Shi Cui styled Wen Miao's hair into a slightly imposing high bun, adorned with a red-gold comb with a double phoenix design, and twelve other pairs of gold hairpins, including floral and jade leaf ornaments, to match.
The items were dazzling and glittering, and their weight was substantial.
After wearing only five pairs of hairpins, Wen Miao felt her hair bun becoming heavy, her eyebrows furrowing slightly, as if her entire scalp was being pulled down... Wouldn't she go bald if this continued for a long time?
Emperor Qian Yuan, who had been watching Wen Miao get ready, immediately said, "If it's a serious matter, then I won't wear these hairpins."
Wen Miao was somewhat tempted. She tilted her head and asked, "Wouldn't that be impolite?"
Emperor Qianyuan smiled gently. This time, he took over Shi Cui's place and slowly removed the gold hairpin from Wen Miao's hair, leaving only the comb and hairpin. He also added a hair ornament and a peony that had been cultivated in the palace.
The peony, glistening with morning dew, perfectly embodies the line, "Clouds remind me of her garments, flowers of her face; the spring breeze caresses the balustrade, the dew is heavy."
"So what if I'm impolite, or not? You are the Empress, and to the women in the capital, you are the one who sets the tone."
The emperor bent down and put the earring on Wen Miao, and also explained to Wen Miao in detail the differences between the emperor and the lower classes.
"Let alone a simple outfit, even if the Empress were to wear her hair down and casual clothes today, they wouldn't dare say much. They would only praise the Empress's novel and elegant makeup and hairstyle. Perhaps in a few days, this style of dressing will become popular throughout the capital."
"so--"
Emperor Qianyuan helped Wen Miao slowly stand up, personally adjusting her skirt and shawl, his voice carrying a guiding tone:
"My lady, you don't need to feel that being the empress is difficult. You can do whatever you want, I will support you."
If the emperor's majesty is sufficient, then the empress's nobility should be immeasurable.
After getting ready in the morning, there was still a moment before the ladies of the court paid their respects. Before leaving for the Wenyuan Hall, Emperor Qianyuan kissed off the lip rouge on Wen Miao's lips. After he left, Wen Miao had no choice but to ask Wan Bi to help her touch it up again.
After everything was finished, a palace servant of about fifty years old suddenly requested an audience outside the Taiji Palace.
Shi Cui led the person in, and Wen Miao looked over.
The woman bowed and said, "This servant is Luo Shi. I have served in the palace for a long time. This time, by His Majesty's grace, I have been granted permission to serve Her Majesty the Empress."
From the founding of the Great Chu Dynasty until the reign of the late emperor, there were no clearly defined female officials in the harem. Apart from the empress in charge, many palace affairs were shared by the concubines.
It wasn't until Emperor Qianyuan ascended the throne that a very rudimentary and basic system of female officials was established in the palace, which included managing lower-ranking palace maids, training newcomers to the palace, and managing some affairs within the harem.
Luo became a female official in the palace.
Wen Miao nodded.
In the Great Chu, it was customary for everyone to kneel and bow. Wen Miao tried her best to get used to it. When she noticed that Luo Shi had some gray hair at her temples, she quickly asked the nanny to rise. She mentally rehearsed the demeanor of an empress and awkwardly offered her a seat.
Only after seeing Luo sit down did Wen Miao secretly breathe a sigh of relief, and her smile immediately softened, becoming vibrant and charming.
Luo's eyes narrowed slightly as she subtly observed the new empress, sensing that her temperament was perhaps the rarest and most unique in the world. No wonder the emperor took such good care of her.
Wen Miao asked, "Could you tell me about the ladies' worship ceremony later?"
She became empress, but she didn't yet have the airs and majesty of an empress. She was so gentle that she definitely needed someone to take care of her.
Luo immediately understood.
His Majesty did not intend to correct the Empress's personality or methods, nor did he require her to be tough. Instead, he wanted to guide and care for her in a natural way, so he would let her be the shield in front of the Empress.
She smiled and said, "That's exactly why I came here."
Having served in the palace before and having lived through the reign of the late emperor, Lady Luo was well-versed in palace affairs and naturally knew the ladies of the court and their important family matters. In just a few words, she sketched out a general picture of everyone to Wen Miao, leaving a simple impression in the new empress's mind.
Wen Miao listened as if it were a story for half an incense stick's time. Now, she still felt a sense of unreality about becoming the empress and could only take it one step at a time.
Soon, it was time for the noblewomen to pay homage to the new Empress of Great Chu.
-----------------------
Author's Note: Wen Miao will grow as Empress, but not in terms of scheming. His Majesty loves Wen Miao very, very much, and he will do everything he can to show her a world that doesn't seem so cruel, feudal, or terrifying (His Majesty is trying). [Milk Tea]
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